Criminal Gangs Delay Haiti's Return to Democracy Amid Escalating Violence

The United Nations' top delegate to Haiti, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, recently warned the UN Security Council that the country is far from holding national elections since 2016. The electoral council (CEP) had canceled the general elections set for December, citing security concerns and a lack of feasibility. This marks yet another postponement in a series of delays following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse by Colombian mercenaries in July 2021.

Ruiz Massieu emphasized that setting new dates without realistic assessments would only further erode public confidence and undermine the credibility of Haitian institutions. The United Nations' Security Council's Panel of Experts reported that gangs now control approximately 70% of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, and have expanded their influence into rural areas. This expansion has been particularly pronounced in Artibonite, where violence is rampant, including massacres and hostage-taking incidents.

The situation has led to significant forced displacement across the country, with over one million people fleeing their homes since 2021. Nearly 800,000 of these displaced individuals are children, highlighting the severe humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict. The UN documented nearly 2,500 cases of sexual assault, with 64% classified as gang-related rape, underscoring the brutal nature of the violence perpetrated by criminal groups.

At the heart of this turmoil is Viv Ansanm, a coalition formed in 2023 by two powerful gangs, G9 and GPèp. The group has been declared a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) by the United States government due to its violent activities. Additionally, Gran Grif, an independent gang operating in Artibonite, has emerged as a formidable competitor, further complicating efforts to restore stability.

The ongoing violence and instability pose significant challenges for Haiti's political transition. As criminal governance becomes entrenched, questions about when and how democracy can be restored remain unanswered. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for increased support in addressing both security and humanitarian crises in the country.