UN warns of surge in violence in Haiti as gangs control Port-au-Prince

In its latest report on the situation in Haiti on Wednesday, October 30, the United Nations reported a 30% increase in violence from July to September, with more than 1,740 people killed or injured as gangs tighten their grip on Port-au-Prince. This violence includes the deaths of children, kidnappings and numerous extrajudicial killings allegedly carried out by Haitian police.

“Gangs are increasingly claiming roles typically reserved for the police and judiciary, while imposing their own rules,” the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) said in a statement. report shared with The Haitian Times.

The office stressed that the lack of government control in many parts of Port-au-Prince has allowed gangs to fill the void, imposing their authority and operating with virtual impunity. BINUH noted that gangs now control approximately 85% of capital, up from 80% in the previous trimester.

In the third quarter, BINUH recorded 1,223 murders, most of which involved gang violence. However, 106 extrajudicial killings were reportedly carried out by law enforcement agencies, including specialized units of the Haitian National Police (HNP). The victims included children: six minors as young as 10 were accused of exchanging information with gang members before they were killed.

Jean Ernest Muscaden, Miragoane’s prosecutor, is also involved in at least 10 extrajudicial killings, part of 36 such cases attributed to him since 2022, according to the UN report.

Children among victims and gang tactics

Children, especially vulnerable as conflict escalates, have faced alarming levels of violence. The United Nations says at least 59 minors have been killed, injured or kidnapped in the recent period. Many have also been subject to human trafficking, gang recruitment and sexual violence. The UN expressed serious concern about “continuing acts of sexual violence perpetrated by gangs against women and girls” and pointed to the urgent need for protection in the absence of functional state institutions.

In addition to murders and kidnappings, gangs use children as human shields, block civilian escape routes, and harass those attempting to leave gang-controlled areas.

The UN Security Council Expert Group on Haiti emphasized in its report report published October 29 that gangs are adapting their tactics to counter law enforcement efforts. “To protect their territory, gangs dig trenches, erect barricades, use scouts and drones to monitor police movements, prepare gasoline cans and Molotov cocktails,” UN experts state.

Although the UN Security Council recently tightened arms embargoIllegal arms trafficking continues, with large-caliber weapons continuing to enter the country. The gangs have reportedly launched a recruitment drive to expand their forces, increasing their planned total strength to 5,500 members. Many gangs are now removing their stockpiles of guns and ammunition as an intimidation tactic, further complicating security efforts, UN investigators said.

International response and call to action

Amid rising violence, the UN has stressed the need for the urgent deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), an international police force led by Kenya approved to support Haitian authorities. However, the mission faces pressure to increase funding and personnel, prompting BINUH to renew calls for stronger international intervention.

Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson of the Secretary-General: emphasized the need for an expedited support mission deployment on Wednesday.

“Our colleagues’ findings highlight the persistence of allegations of summary executions involving specialized units of the Haitian National Police,” Dujarric said.

“(The mission) continues to call on the international community to keep Haiti on its agenda and to expedite the full and speedy deployment of the Multinational Security Mission,” Dujarric continued, acknowledging that efforts by the Haitian judiciary are beginning to address some of the impunity that allows the violence to continue.

Internal government tensions and frustrations

As gang violence escalates, there is concern and tension between the two transitional branches of government. The Transitional Presidential Council (PTC) has called for a cabinet reshuffle, among other demands, which Prime Minister Conil, who heads the government, opposes.

In a statement on October 28, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) warned that political infighting could jeopardize the transition process needed to restore security and prepare for elections before February 7, 2026.

“This indecent and distracting conflict comes at a time when the security situation and humanitarian crisis are seriously deteriorating,” CARICOM said.

“These divisions… undermine trust between Haiti’s partners and the broader international community, preventing the delivery of critical assistance that Haiti urgently needs.”

During intervention in Tele Metropol On Wednesday, US Ambassador to Haiti Dennis Hankins criticized the government’s internal conflicts, saying they “send a bad signal to the international community” and risk further destabilizing the country.

Several Haitian civil society leaders have expressed similar concerns, warning that ongoing political divisions could embolden gangs and derail the transition to new leadership and the rule of law.

In this environment, Haitians continue to seek stability amid widespread insecurity, with hopes for effective change tempered by ongoing political divisions and an escalating humanitarian crisis.

Haitian Times will continue to provide updates on these developments as they unfold, with a particular focus on calls from the Haitian diaspora for long-term security solutions in the country.

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