UN Report: Gangs in Haiti’s Capital Reach Near-Total Control – What It Means for Residents

Haiti is facing a deeply troubling situation. Gangs have taken control of much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, making life increasingly dangerous for residents. Recently, a senior U.N. official stated that nearly 90% of the capital is under gang influence. These criminal groups are not just confined to the city; they are spreading into parts of Haiti that were previously peaceful.

Ghada Fathy Waly, the head of the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, revealed to the U.N. Security Council that areas in southern Haiti are experiencing a rise in gang-related violence. This escalation is concerning as it affects public safety and overall governance. With gangs filling the void left by weakened state authority, they are establishing their own control systems. This shift has dire economic effects, driving up prices for essential goods like cooking fuel and rice.

Miroslav Jenca, a U.N. Assistant Secretary-General, highlighted that without decisive international intervention, the potential collapse of state authority in the capital could become a reality. Gangs have become more powerful since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. Since then, the situation has deteriorated, with gangs now controlling over 85% of Port-au-Prince.

Despite the arrival of a multinational force led by Kenyan police to combat the violence, challenges persist. The mission is understaffed and lacks the necessary resources to be effective. In February, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres proposed additional support for the mission, but this has yet to be acted upon.

In response to the violence, private security firms and vigilante groups have emerged. While some aim to protect communities, others have reportedly collaborated with gangs, leading to further violence. Recent statistics indicate a rise in extrajudicial killings, with reports of over 100 individuals suspected of gang ties being murdered in just the past few months.

The U.N. has also documented alarming levels of sexual violence associated with gang activities, with reports showing hundreds of incidents this year alone. The reasons behind the gang’s growth are complex, rooted in political turmoil and governance issues. Many observers note that while gangs expand their territorial control, they are also gaining power from local elites with political ambitions.

With elections scheduled for February 2026, there is urgent pressure for governmental stability and effective public safety measures. However, the current weak police structure and the military’s inadequate capability pose significant barriers to restoring order.

Experts note that without robust international support, gangs are likely to maintain their dominance. This situation must be addressed not just with immediate security measures but also through long-term strategies aimed at rebuilding Haiti’s governance and public services.

For more details on Haiti’s ongoing crisis, you can read the U.N. Security Council’s official reports.

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