Haiti, once a beacon of resilience and hope in the Caribbean, is now a nation on the brink of collapse. The rapid rise of powerful and brutal gangs, the apparent indifference of the international community, and the failure of local institutions to address the crisis have left many observers questioning: What is really happening in Haiti?
The situation has escalated to a point where gangs operate with impunity, claiming connections to foreign diplomats, regional cartels, and even international organ traffickers. While these allegations remain unproven, the speed at which these gangs have grown and the lack of meaningful intervention raise serious questions about the motives of both local and international actors. Why has the international community, including the United Nations and the United States, remained so passive? Why are Haitian laws and sovereignty seemingly ignored? And why does it feel like there is a hidden agenda at play?
The Gang Crisis: A Symptom of a Larger Problem
Haiti’s gang problem is not new, but the scale and audacity of their operations have reached unprecedented levels. Gangs now control large swathes of Port-au-Prince, including critical infrastructure like roads and ports. They extort businesses, kidnap civilians, and even attack police stations. Some gangs claim to have a “mission” or “mandate” from higher powers, while others boast of connections to powerful businessmen and politicians.
Reports suggest that these gangs are not isolated actors but are linked to regional cartels and international criminal networks. If true, this would explain their access to sophisticated weapons and resources. Yet, despite these alarming connections, there has been no serious international investigation into these claims. Why?
The International Community’s Silence: Complicity or Indifference?
The United Nations, which has spent millions on peacekeeping missions in Haiti, has been conspicuously absent in addressing the gang crisis. The Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MMSS) has failed to protect critical assets like the airport, and the national police force (PNH) is outgunned and outmatched. Meanwhile, the U.S. government’s policies toward Haiti seem more focused on managing migration than addressing the root causes of the crisis.
The Biden administration’s decision to offer free visas to Haitians, while well-intentioned, did little to stabilize the country. Similarly, the Trump administration’s lack of urgency in addressing the crisis raises questions about whether Haiti is being deliberately neglected. Why is there no coordinated international effort to dismantle the gangs and restore order? Why are sanctions against a handful of Haitian elites so ineffective? And why has the UN failed to deliver on its promise of a detailed report and targeted sanctions?
The Airport and the FAA Ban: A Red Herring?
The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) ban on flights to Haiti, citing security concerns, has been met with skepticism. There is no evidence that gangs have the capability to target commercial aircraft, yet the ban remains in place. This has effectively isolated Haiti from the rest of the world, crippling its economy and further destabilizing the country. Why is the FAA’s decision not being challenged? And why is the MMSS not prioritizing the protection of the airport, a critical lifeline for Haiti?
The Political Vacuum: A Breeding Ground for Chaos
Haiti has been without a legitimate and functioning government since July 2021, with no president and no clear path to elections. The international community’s acceptance of this political vacuum is baffling. Why has there been no serious push for free, fair, and transparent elections? Why are foreign diplomats and their personnel choosing to flee rather than help the Haitian people? And why is the idea of having nine presidents in Haiti being entertained, when it clearly undermines any chance of stability?
The Bigger Picture: Is There a Hidden Agenda?
For many observers, the situation in Haiti feels orchestrated. The rapid rise of gangs, the international community’s indifference, and the lack of political will to address the crisis suggest that there may be a larger plan at play. Are the gangs being used as a tool to destabilize Haiti further? Is there an effort to evict Haitians from their homes and land for future exploitation? These questions may sound outrageous, but the reality on the ground demands answers.
Proposals for Action: What Needs to Be Done
1. International Investigation: The UN must launch a thorough investigation into the alleged connections between gangs, regional cartels, and international criminal networks. Those found guilty must face targeted sanctions and prosecution.
2. Strengthen Local Institutions: The Haitian National Police and judiciary must be rebuilt and equipped to handle the crisis. This requires funding, training, and international support.
3. Protect Critical Infrastructure: The MMSS and other international forces must prioritize the protection of Haiti’s airport, ports, and roads to ensure the flow of goods and services.
4. Push for Elections: The international community must support free, fair, and transparent elections to restore legitimate governance in Haiti.
5. Address Root Causes: The U.S. and other nations must address the root causes of Haiti’s instability, including poverty, corruption, and inequality, rather than focusing solely on migration.
Haiti Deserves Better
Haiti’s crisis is not just a Haitian problem; it is a global one. The international community’s failure to act is not only a moral failing but also a strategic one. If the gangs are allowed to take over Port-au-Prince, the consequences will be felt far beyond Haiti’s borders. It is time for the world to stop looking away and start asking the tough questions. What is the endgame in Haiti? And who stands to benefit from its collapse?
The people of Haiti deserve answers, and they deserve action. The world can no longer afford to look the other way.
References:
1. United Nations Reports on Haiti (2023-2024)
2. U.S. State Department Statements on Haiti
3. Investigative Reports by Haitian and International Media Outlets
4. FAA Announcements on Flight Bans to Haiti
5. Academic Studies on Gang Networks in the Caribbean
Moise Garçon
Political Analyst & Senior Journalist
Chairman of DAC (Diaspora Action Committee)
Coordinator of Proposition Citoyenne
