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Haiti's gang crisis and international responses
Over the last couple of years, security has continued to deteriorate alarmingly in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, and in rural areas in the centre and south of the country. Criminal gangs, the main drivers of this degradation, have grown in strength and capacity, enabling them to supplant in part or in full the control of government forces.
This report, “Haiti’s Gang Crisis and International Responses,” offers a comprehensive analysis of the dire situation in the country in this context. Authored by Romain Le Cour Grandmaison, Ana Paula Oliveira, and Matt Herbert, it delves into the deteriorating security landscape, highlighting the professionalization of gangs, the surge in firearms, and the complex dynamics of violence and territorial disputes. The study scrutinizes the impact of these developments on both urban and rural communities, underlining the severe implications for Haiti’s socio-political stability and human security.
It also critically evaluates the international community’s efforts to address the crisis, including the deployment of sanctions and the initiation of the Multinational Security Support mission. By analyzing these responses, the report identifies gaps and challenges in the current approach and advocates for a more coordinated and comprehensive international strategy. The authors stress the urgency of implementing effective measures to combat gang-related violence and restore peace and order in Haiti, proposing actionable recommendations for both local and global stakeholders. This document provides a roadmap for understanding the complexities of Haiti’s gang crisis and the imperative for an immediate, cohesive international response.