Haiti Crisis 2026

Haiti has effectively ceased to function as a state. Gangs control approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince and conduct operations across much of the country. Over 700,000 people are displaced. Political violence has killed 4,500+. A UN-backed security mission led by Kenya has been deployed since 2024 but has made limited progress against entrenched gang networks. Haiti ranks among ACLED's top 10 countries globally for violence severity.

Background

Haiti has been in political crisis since the 2010 earthquake and the subsequent failed reconstruction. The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 by mercenaries created a total power vacuum. No functioning government has emerged since. Gang leader Jimmy Chérizier ("Barbecue") coordinated a major gang coalition (Viv Ansanm) that has systematically taken over Port-au-Prince neighborhood by neighborhood since 2022.

Haiti's crisis is compounded by centuries of structural exploitation. France extracted reparations from Haiti for 122 years after the slave revolt — a debt that significantly stunted economic development. The US occupied Haiti 1915–1934. The international response to the current crisis has been widely criticized as inadequate.

Current Situation (March 2026)

Port-au-Prince is largely under gang control. Schools, hospitals, and government offices function intermittently at best. The Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) has deployed around 1,000 security personnel and had limited operational impact given the scale of gang control. Gang federations have sophisticated weapons including armored vehicles and military-grade equipment.

CFR downgraded Haiti from Tier I to Tier II in 2026, reflecting slightly reduced escalation risk compared to peak 2024 levels — but the situation remains critical by any objective measure.

Regional Hotspots

• Port-au-Prince (gangs)CRITICAL — 85% gang control
• Artibonite ValleyHIGH — gang expansion from capital
• Southwest PeninsulaMEDIUM — emerging gang activity

Key Actors

Gang Federations (Viv Ansanm & G9)

Loose coalitions of 50+ armed gangs. Viv Ansanm (led by Barbecue / Chérizier) is the dominant force and controls most of Port-au-Prince. Gangs operate kidnapping enterprises, extortion rackets, and control basic services in their zones.

Haitian National Police (HNP)

Severely outgunned and undermanned. Many officers have been killed or fled. The police force is unable to conduct operations in gang-controlled areas without international support.

Kenyan-led Security Mission

The UN-backed Multinational Security Support Mission has ~1,000 personnel and has conducted some operations but lacks the scale to fundamentally shift the balance. Funding has been insufficient and political support inconsistent.