Haiti Plunged into Crisis: Escalating Gang Violence and Severe Food Insecurity

Haiti is confronting an unprecedented humanitarian crisis as escalating gang violence and economic instability have plunged the nation into turmoil. As of April 2025, over half of the population—approximately 5.7 million people—are projected to face acute food insecurity through June. An additional 8,400 individuals, primarily displaced by violence and residing in makeshift shelters, are at risk of starvation. The crisis is exacerbated by gang activities disrupting food distribution and transportation, alongside an economic collapse marked by inflation exceeding 30%.

The security situation has deteriorated significantly since the assassination of Haiti's president in 2021. Armed gangs have exploited the political vacuum, seizing control of most of Port-au-Prince and expanding into neighboring agricultural areas. These territorial gains have led to widespread human rights abuses, including looting, arson, mass rapes, and indiscriminate killings.

In response to the escalating crisis, Haiti's transitional presidential council approved an emergency "war time budget" totaling 36 billion Haitian gourdes ($275.86 million) on April 14, 2025. This budget aims to bolster security forces, enhance border security, and fund critical social support programs to stabilize the nation. Nearly 40% of the funds are allocated to the police and military, 20% to strengthening the border with the Dominican Republic, and 16% to support social programs in education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid.

The United Nations' Haiti rights expert, William O'Neill, has stated that resolving Haiti's spiraling insecurity crisis is "doable" if law enforcement is properly supplied and neighboring countries cooperate. O'Neill suggested that between 2,500 and 3,000 well-trained and equipped international police could make a significant impact. He also emphasized the importance of halting the flow of illegal arms into Haiti, noting that all firearms and ammunition are imported.

However, the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), approved by the UN Security Council in October 2023, has faced challenges. As of October 2024, the mission was under-resourced, with only 400 Kenyan officers deployed out of the planned 1,000, and lacking adequate equipment and funding. This has limited the mission's effectiveness in curbing gang violence.

The humanitarian crisis has profound social implications, particularly for vulnerable populations. Women and children are disproportionately affected, with reports of women resorting to desperate measures for survival, including prostitution. The economic collapse, marked by soaring inflation, has further strained the population, with many unable to afford basic necessities.

Haiti's current crisis is among the worst in its recent history. In 2014, only 2% of the population was food insecure, a stark contrast to the current situation where over half the population faces severe hunger. The deterioration began notably after Hurricane Matthew in 2016, which destroyed crops and livelihoods, and has been exacerbated by political instability and escalating gang violence.

On April 2, 2025, thousands of Haitians protested in Port-au-Prince against the surging gang violence and perceived government inaction. The protests highlighted public frustration over the deteriorating security situation and the government's response.

This complex crisis requires urgent international attention and support to address the intertwined issues of security, governance, and humanitarian needs.