Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, is under siege as criminal gangs claim control over 90% of the city, escalating violence and threatening to push the nation into further chaos and instability.

The colonization of Port-au-Prince by gangs marks a significant breakdown of state control, exacerbating the security crisis in Haiti, which has been without a functioning president since the assassination of Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. With criminal groups now governing key trade routes and expanding their influence into once-peaceful regions, rising violence—including increased sexual assaults and vigilantism—has crippling effects on the economy and public safety, pushing the country closer to collapse amid political turmoil.

The pervasive influence of these gangs has rendered the Haitian government nearly powerless in Port-au-Prince. Reports indicate that state authority is diminishing as criminal organizations establish 'parallel governance structures.' This condition has left many residents uncertain of whom to turn to for protection and essential services, fundamentally altering the social fabric of the city.

Local residents and businesses are feeling the impact of gang dominance. The gangs control vital transportation and trade routes, leading to severe disruptions in commerce. With the rise of illegal checkpoints and robberies, the prices of basic commodities such as cooking fuel and rice have soared, exacerbating poverty levels and food insecurity in a country where many already struggle to meet their daily needs.

The situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing political vacuum following Moïse's assassination. The absence of a unifying political leadership has allowed gangs to exploit deeply entrenched vulnerabilities within Haitian society. In such a context, criminal groups have filled the void, taking advantage of a disorganized governmental response regarding the security crisis, which has experienced significant delays in any attempts to restore public order.

Amid rising violence, the United Nations has continued to assess the situation in Haiti, noting the inefficacy of a UN-backed mission led by Kenyan police in addressing the spiraling crisis. This mission has been plagued by underfunding and understaffing, making it challenging to effectively combat gang violence and protect civilian populations.

The chaos on the ground has led to a surge in the formation of private security companies and vigilante self-defense groups as citizens seek safety. However, the emergence of these groups has been accompanied by a troubling surge in violence. Reports indicate that vigilante groups have engaged in significant acts of violence, killing at least 100 individuals suspected of gang association, raising concerns about human rights abuses stemming from these actions.

Adding to the crisis, the last three months have seen a worrying increase in sexual violence, with a documented 364 incident cases attributed to gangs. Such violence has forced many communities into deeper despair and fear, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Haitian gangs have also defied an arms embargo, managing to acquire more powerful weaponry from both civilian markets and police stockpiles. Their ability to arm themselves poses a critical threat not only to the security forces but also to civilian populations caught in the crossfire.

Compounding the issue, some members of the Haitian National Police have been implicated in extrajudicial killings, including a record of 281 summary executions in 2024 alone. Such actions further erode public trust in the security forces, diminishing the already fragile relationship between the community and those sworn to protect them.

Despite support from international entities, the multifaceted nature of the crisis in Haiti necessitates a comprehensive approach that encompasses not only security interventions but also political stabilization, economic development, and social justice efforts. As the situation unfolds, the international community remains vigilant, hoping to find pathways to restore order and alleviate the suffering of the Haitian people.