Haiti, once a beacon of resilience against colonial oppression, is now engulfed in a crisis marked by rampant gang violence and political instability. The national anthem, the 'Dessalinienne', poignantly reflects the irony of the nation's struggles. Since its independence, Haiti has faced numerous challenges, including a crippling indemnity to France and a long history of foreign interventions, notably a 65-year embargo by the United States and a military occupation from 1915 to 1934. These historical grievances have contributed to the current turmoil, which has been exacerbated by a devastating earthquake in 2010 and ongoing political unrest.
As of October 2024, the situation in Port-au-Prince has deteriorated significantly, with gangs attacking several neighborhoods, forcing many residents to flee their homes. On a recent Saturday, intense gunfire erupted in the Solino area, prompting warnings from the police union about the potential loss of control over the city [0eb301c4]. Authorities have not yet released casualty figures, but the violence has already claimed lives, including that of a woman killed in Solino just days prior [0eb301c4]. The unrest has been so severe that the swearing-in of Haiti's provisional electoral council had to be relocated to a safer venue [0eb301c4].
In a significant development, the United States banned all civilian flights to Haiti for one month starting November 12, 2024, following gunfire incidents involving three jetliners near Port-au-Prince. A Spirit Airlines flight from Florida was struck by gunfire, leading to its rerouting to the Dominican Republic, where a flight attendant sustained minor injuries. Two other flights, JetBlue to JFK and American Airlines to Miami, reported bullet holes but managed to land safely [85cca84b].
The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) reported that between January and March 2024, there were 2,505 documented victims of gang violence, averaging nearly 28 victims per day, marking a 53% increase compared to previous periods [647563ae]. The violence is concentrated in Port-au-Prince, where the highest number of victims have been recorded. Life in the capital has become a daily struggle for survival, with residents installing metal barricades and stockpiling supplies as gang attacks can occur at any moment. Schools, gas stations, and businesses have closed, leaving many unemployed and over 95,000 people fleeing the city in just one month [65c10d1a].
This alarming increase in violence is part of a larger trend that has plagued Haiti for years. A report released by a Haitian human rights group earlier this year detailed the horrific situation, revealing that over 1,550 people were killed and more than 820 injured due to gang violence from January to March 2024. The victims included a diverse range of individuals, from journalists to ordinary citizens, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the violence [3ad686cc].
The current crisis is compounded by a political vacuum following the assassination of President Moïse in 2021, leaving the country without elected officials. The unelected Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who has been supported by the US, faced mass demonstrations and gang pressure, further destabilizing the situation [20fe399c]. Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime was sworn in on November 11, 2024, amid escalating violence from gangs controlling 80% of the capital [85cca84b]. Activists and U.S. lawmakers have called for a halt to deportations of Haitian nationals living in the U.S. as the situation worsens [8a19d38b].
Amidst this chaos, the humanitarian crisis has deepened, with 700,000 people internally displaced and nearly 5 million facing acute food insecurity. Only 28% of healthcare services are currently operational, disproportionately affecting women and girls [38c50719]. In response, Haitian feminist groups have developed the Policy Framework for an Effective and Equitable Transition, advocating for women's rights and inclusion in the political process, yet only one woman currently serves on the Transitional Presidential Council [38c50719].
The international community's historical interventions have often exacerbated Haiti's challenges, particularly through U.S. weapons sales that sustain gang power [38c50719]. As Haiti grapples with its present challenges, there is a pressing need for solidarity and support from the international community that respects Haiti's sovereignty and promotes self-determination. Supporting grassroots women's organizations is crucial to fostering a more equitable future for all Haitians [38c50719].