Haiti: State Collapse, Gang Rule, and an International Police Mission

Approximately 5 million residents of Haiti, which is nearly half of the population, are struggling to access food due to widespread violence. Gang violence and terror have disrupted supply routes, blocked roads, and resulted in the highest level of hunger in the country’s history. Since the assassination of Haiti’s last president, Jovenel Moïse, in July 2021, armed gangs have gained more power, taking control of much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and expanding into nearby agricultural areas. This has led to looting, arson, mass rape, and killings, forcing many people to flee their homes and seek shelter in makeshift camps in cities.

To address the crisis, a UN-backed police mission led by Kenya has been initiated to assist the struggling Haitian state. The operations are supported by the United States, which has pledged over $300 million in aid. The international forces aim to combat gang violence and ensure that democratic elections can be held. Kenya plans to send 1,000 police officers, with several hundred already on the ground. Additionally, police officers from the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad, and Jamaica will also join the mission, bringing the total force to 2,500 people. However, it’s worth noting that in Kenya itself, the local police have faced allegations of human rights abuses, including during recent protests within the country.