The Situation in Haiti

The situation in Haiti is deteriorating. This situation was brought about by the United States, which temporarily closed its embassy in Port-au-Prince due to the fighting in the Tabarre region. The US has also warned its citizens against traveling to Haiti. In June, the Kenyan police marked one year since they began their operations in the country. Nevertheless, the situation has worsened. Violence, sexual violence, and displacement are on the rise. The Kenyan-led Multinational Security Assistance Mission (MSS), deployed in Haiti since June 2024, faces significant challenges amid rising gang violence, funding constraints, and operational hurdles. The MSS, which is intended to support the Haitian National Police (HNP), has failed to curb gang dominance. Gangs like the "Viv Ansanm"*1 coalition now control 90% of Port-au-Prince and have expanded into rural areas. In 2024, over 5,600 people were killed – an increase of over 1,000 compared to 2023. The Kenyan Armed Forces (800 troops deployed, less than the planned 1,000) face better-armed gangs, inadequate equipment (e.g., bulletproof vehicles that do not deflect missiles), and poor coordination with the HNP. At least three Kenyan officers were killed (February–March 2025), and others were injured or taken hostage. Officers report frequent gang attacks and substandard equipment, including helmets and armored vehicles that fail under fire. A 400-strong contingent returned to Kenya in June 2025 as their contracts expired, further straining the mission's capacity. The United States, the main donor, froze $13.3 million in aid under President Trump, while forgiving $40.7 million for logistics and equipment. The UN Trust Fund has only $100 million of the $600 million needed. Other nations (e.g., Benin and Barbados) withdrew their pledges, leaving the mission at only 40% of its planned strength of 2,500 troops. The Kenyan government insists it has done its part and calls on the international community to engage, while critics call for a troop withdrawal on constitutional and security grounds. The MSS base at Port-au-Prince airport cannot be expanded, leaving 261 officers stranded in Nairobi due to space constraints. Over 1 million Haitians have been displaced because gangs are blocking access to aid. Many locals doubt the mission's effectiveness, as there have been no visible improvements in security. Sixty-four percent of the victims were killed during security operations, more than a third of them in connection with drone strikes. The fragility of the transitional government and calls for dialogue by gang leader Barbecue add to the complexity. The United Nations condemned these operations, as they resulted in civilian casualties. Fifteen percent of the deaths were attributed to failed security operations. The recent clashes near the US Embassy are linked to anger over the arrest of former Haitian Senator Nenel Cassy, who is charged with supporting gangs, financing illegal groups, conspiracy to harm national security, and murder. Nothing has improved! Gang attacks in the Artibonite, Centre, and Capital regions continue to lead to serious human rights violations. This is also leading to a major humanitarian crisis. Analysts warn that Haiti's disintegration into a gang state is imminent if the MSS fails—a result attributed not only to Kenya but to global inaction. Despite its mandate and the mission's deployment in October 2023, it has so far failed to contain the escalating violence and gang power in the country. In its first year, the number of civilian deaths and internally displaced persons increased exponentially, and the MSS achieved no security-related gains. There were also problems with insufficient troop strength (750 instead of the planned 2,500), a lack of proficiency in the local languages among Kenyan leaders, insufficient equipment, and political and financial support. The international community, especially the United States, is showing hesitancy and threatening to withdraw its support. Within Kenya, there is also criticism and growing opposition to the mission due to the high costs and risks for the police officers deployed. Haiti remains on the verge of collapse, and the mission is under great pressure to reorient its strategy. *1) The Viv Ansanm is a powerful gang alliance in Haiti, founded on February 29, 2024, through the merger of the major gang factions G9 and G-Pèp. It operates primarily in and around Port-au-Prince. Led by Jimmy Chérizier, it controls approximately 80% of the greater Port-au-Prince area and the surrounding cities. The alliance reduced internal gang conflicts and increased the gangs' territorial influence, while also targeting state institutions. The coalition aims to combat Haitian and American oligarchs and has been involved in violent clashes with the Haitian government and the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Assistance Mission (MSS). Viv Ansanm has carried out significant attacks, including coordinated attacks in February 2024 that forced the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, and is accused of massacres and violent clashes with police and international forces. In May 2025, the United States designated Viv Ansanm as a "transnational terrorist group," highlighting its control over almost all of Port-au-Prince and its growing influence. The designation reflects the group's role in the intense violence, displacement, and destabilization of Haiti, which has led to over one million displaced people and a worsening humanitarian crisis.