Haiti Approves 'War Time Budget' Amid Escalating Gang Violence Crisis

In response to escalating gang violence that has plunged Haiti into a severe security and humanitarian crisis, the country's transitional presidential council approved a "war time budget" of 36 billion gourdes (approximately $275.86 million) on April 14, 2025. This emergency allocation aims to strengthen security forces, secure national borders, and support essential social programs.

The decision comes as armed gangs have seized control of significant portions of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding areas. In late March, gangs captured towns such as Mirebalais and Saut-d'Eau, torching police facilities and orchestrating a mass prison break involving 533 inmates, resulting in at least 60 deaths. In Saut-d'Eau, inadequate police presence led to further gang control and violence, including the deaths of two nuns and a police officer, and the disappearance of two journalists.

The approved budget allocates nearly 40% of the funds to police and military forces, 20% to strengthening the border with the Dominican Republic, and 16% to support social programs in education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid. Despite these efforts, a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police continues to struggle with limited resources. Gangs now control at least 85% of Port-au-Prince and have expanded their influence by capturing towns such as Mirebalais and Saut-d’Eau. During attacks on March 30-31, gangs torched police facilities and orchestrated a mass prison break involving 533 inmates, resulting in at least 60 deaths. In neighboring Saut-d’Eau, inadequate police presence led to further gang control and violence, including the deaths of two nuns and a police officer, and the disappearance of two journalists. Between January and March 27, over 1,500 people were killed due to gang violence, with more than 1 million displaced. Human rights groups criticize the government's response as reactive and uncoordinated, leaving communities vulnerable to ongoing attacks.

The humanitarian situation is deteriorating rapidly. Between January and March 27, over 1,500 people were killed due to gang violence, with more than 1 million displaced. Human rights groups criticize the government's response as reactive and uncoordinated, leaving communities vulnerable to ongoing attacks. In the first quarter of 2025, over 78,500 people were displaced—more than double the number during the same period last year. Armed groups dominate nearly all neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince, restricting movement and worsening living conditions, especially for children.

International responses include a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police, though it faces challenges due to limited resources. The Dominican Republic has also announced measures to curb illegal migration as violence in Haiti escalates.

The escalating violence has led to the closure of essential services, including healthcare facilities and schools. Organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) have suspended operations due to attacks on their staff, reflecting the growing insecurity and the targeting of humanitarian workers. The crisis has also resulted in a significant increase in sexual violence, with a 1,000% rise in cases of child sexual violence reported. The media has not been spared, with at least 15 journalists killed, highlighting the pervasive threat to freedom of the press.

The approval of the "war time budget" signifies the government's recognition of the severity of the crisis and its commitment to restoring order. The effectiveness of this budget in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by gang violence remains to be seen. Continued international support and coordinated efforts are crucial to stabilizing Haiti and alleviating the humanitarian crisis.