Ongoing Gang Violence in Haiti Increases Pressure on Prime Minister

Persistent gang violence in Haiti has heightened pressure on Prime Minister Ariel Henry and exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. The powerful gangs, seeking to overthrow the interim government, have paralyzed large parts of Haiti for approximately ten days. All flights have been canceled, and according to media reports, heavy gunfire was reported around the presidential palace on Friday.

Escalating Violence in Haiti’s Capital

Violence in Haiti escalated at the end of February, with gangs reportedly controlling about 80 percent of the capital, Port-au-Prince, according to the United Nations. The number of victims from the violence remains unclear. However, the UN reports that nearly half of Haiti’s approximately 11 million residents suffer from acute hunger.

Haiti has been without a president or parliament since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse at his residence in July 2021. Ariel Henry, a 74-year-old neurosurgeon, took over the government’s leadership following the assassination. Since then, no elections have been held. The UN notes that over the past few years, more than 300,000 people in Haiti have been displaced due to gang violence.

US Response to the Crisis

In response to the violence, the US military has withdrawn “non-essential” embassy staff from Haiti and heightened security measures at the embassy, as reported by the central command of the US military in the region, Southcom.