Haiti descends into chaos as gangs control the capital

Haiti is engulfed in violence as gangs dominate the streets and challenge government authority.

Haiti faces unparalleled chaos as gangs seize control of capital

In a chilling shift from governance to lawlessness, Haiti is now under the brutal control of gangs, mainly in Port-au-Prince. Armed factions dominate about 90 percent of the city, leaving a trail of violence that has resulted in thousands of deaths. The situation spiraled after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, creating a power vacuum exploited by gangs whose tactics include kidnapping, sexual violence, and outright murder. Reports indicate that children are forcibly recruited, intensifying the humanitarian crisis, as over 1.3 million residents have been displaced in a mere six months.

The escalating situation in Haiti reflects a catastrophic failure of governance and a deepening humanitarian crisis. With the government largely ineffective, gangs have adopted roles traditionally held by state institutions. The rise of groups like the G9 Family and Allies under the notorious Jimmy 'Barbecue' Chérizier illustrates not only the collapse of law and order but signals a broader shift toward a violent, unstable dystopia. Furthermore, the reluctance of international forces to intervene compounds fears of a permanently failed state in the Western Hemisphere, an unprecedented outcome for a nation once known for its resilience.

Highlights

Without decisive action, Haiti risks descending further into chaos.