Port-au-Prince is facing an effective blockade, with key roads cut off and armed groups controlling an estimated 90 per cent of the city. Footage from the aid operation shows long queues of residents holding tokens as they waited for basic supplies such as rice and flour, underscoring the scale of need in neighbourhoods increasingly isolated by insecurity.

The assistance reached both long-time residents of Delmas and people displaced from nearby areas who have sought refuge there after fleeing violence. With livelihoods disrupted and movement severely restricted, food aid has become a lifeline for families unable to afford basic necessities amid soaring prices and limited access to markets.

The distribution comes as Haiti faces a deepening humanitarian and political crisis. More than 5.7 million people, roughly half the population , are experiencing acute hunger, while internal displacement has risen to 1.4 million. At the same time, the mandate of the Transitional Presidential Council is due to expire on 7 February, raising concerns about a potential leadership vacuum as ongoing insecurity continues to prevent elections.

The country became the first Black-led republic, the first independent nation in the Caribbean, and the second independent state in the Western Hemisphere, following the United States .

The Haitian Revolution, which spanned from 1791 to 1804, involved a series of conflicts between enslaved Haitians, colonial forces, and foreign armies, including those from Britain and France . 

This revolution resulted in the abolition of slavery in Haiti and the establishment of a sovereign state.

On social media, Haitians shared images of the national flag, family photos, and messages of peace. Many also posted chants of resistance in recognition of the country’s revolutionary past and ongoing challenges.

Haiti continues to face significant political and social instability . Following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, the country has experienced worsening insecurity. Throughout 2023, gang-related violence escalated, with criminal groups taking control of over 80% of Port-au-Prince, the capital.

In April 2024, Prime Minister Ariel Henry stepped down from office, leading to the formation of a transitional presidential council. As law enforcement capacity weakened and incidents of vigilantism increased, the United Nations Security Council approved the deployment of a Kenya-led multinational security mission to support the Haitian police in curbing gang violence. The mission officially began on June 25, 2024, after several delays.

Here is a recap of a few:

Sudan

From April 2023, Sudan has been stuck in turmoil, which has claimed the lives of hundreds of people and left women and children vulnerable. The conflict erupted over power struggles between rival military factions, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF. The conflict led to parts of the country facing famine. Millions were displaced, health systems collapsed, and reports of mass sexual violence mounted, yet funding and diplomatic engagement remained limited as donor fatigue developed. “Each passing day brings staggering levels of violence and destruction. Civilians are enduring immense, unimaginable suffering, with no end in sight,” Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the UN Khaled Khiari told ambassadors.

DR Congo

In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, fighting between armed groups intensified, particularly in North Kivu. Civilians faced killings, forced recruitment, and displacement, but the conflict received scant coverage outside Africa despite being a deadly one. The fighting resumed at the beginning of 2025 when the M23 rebel group made significant advances across the East. 

Haiti

Haiti continued to slide deeper into crisis as armed gangs expanded control over large parts of Port-au-Prince. Kidnappings surged, state authority eroded further, and humanitarian access shrank, yet international response stalled amid political paralysis. “Caught in the middle of this unending horror story are the Haitian people, who are at the mercy of horrific violence by gangs and exposed to human rights violations from the security forces and abuses by the so-called ‘self-defence’ groups,” Volker Türk, High Commissioner for Human Rights, is quoted .

Myanmar

In Myanmar, clashes between the military junta and ethnic armed groups were reported, with airstrikes hitting civilian areas. The conflict’s impact on women, children and minorities remained severe, even as global focus drifted elsewhere. Four years after the military seized power in 2021, Myanmar’s junta controls just 21% of the country, while rebel groups and ethnic armed forces hold about 42%, according to a 2024 BBC investigation.

Smaller but persistent conflicts in Ethiopia’s border regions, Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado, and Burkina Faso also worsened. While some of these were short-lived, they were mostly driven by a mix of insurgency and political instability.

The son of a fried chicken seller, Chérizier was expelled from the police after a notorious massacre - one of many linked to him. From there, he gradually brought together dozens of gangland factions into a coalition that delivers him a small army capable of confronting international reinforcements brought in by the island’s government.

He has already shown he can topple presidents, but will he one day move from kingmaker to king?

To do that, they need an ideology — and the country’s largest gang coalition,  Viv Ansanm  (VA), has one. Its leader, Jimmy Chérizier, known as “Barbecue”, does not want to be seen simply as a criminal. He sees himself as a revolutionary, a socialist and an anti-imperialist. Alongside Lenin, Mao and Che Guevara, Chérizier idolises Haiti’s independence leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines, who ordered the massacre of the island’s white population, and François “Papa Doc” Duvalier, the dictator who relied on the feared paramilitary secret police infamously known as  Tonton Macoutes .

When gangs launched their offensive in Port-au-Prince in March 2024, Chérizier received support from “political actors — the left-wing  Children of Dessalines  party, and the popular former senator Guy Philippe. Philippe brands himself as far-right, though such labels mean little in the Haitian context. For a time, Chérizier became not just a gang leader but a participant in a wider political alliance.

Among VA’s real or potential allies are former MP Victor Prophane, who once created the Gran Grif gang in the Artibonite Valley; the well-known singer Jacques Sauveur Jean, who has entered politics; and former football star Jeff Louis. Prophane is fighting his own war to capture Haiti’s main agricultural region. The other two are media figures who openly praise VA’s “revolutionary achievements” and bolster its image.

VA is waging war against Haitian and foreign police forces in an effort to overthrow what Chérizier calls a “pro-imperialist” government. Kenyan and other foreign police contingents brought in by the authorities are described as occupiers, and VA’s military campaign is framed as a national liberation struggle.

The coalition relies not only on violence but also on community structures to expand its influence. It uses neighbourhood committees, trade unions and sympathetic politicians to build support. In the summer of 2025, VA managed to stage several large public demonstrations that disrupted attempts by the police and army to retake gang-held districts.

The coalition also has backing from media outlets, both domestic and international.  Haiti Liberté , an online publication headquartered in New York with bureaux in Port-au-Prince, Toronto, Miami and France, has voiced strong support for the movement.

The Canadian left-wing platform  The Canada Files  publishes extensively on Haiti and shows sympathy for Chérizier’snarrative. One article states: “Chérizier calls for the overthrow of the Haitian bourgeoisie and what he describes as a ‘putrid, rotten system’. Instead of ‘5% controlling 85% of national wealth’, he advocates a system in which Haiti’s resources are shared by all.”

A similar message comes from  Internationalist 360° , a far-left US-based news portal. In its piece “Barbecue’s Haitian Revolution, & Empire’s Scramble to Stop it from Spreading Across America”, the site writes : “What Barbecue has built is the perfect threat towards Washington’s designs in the American hemisphere in particular; to ensure Haiti’s continued subjugation, the U.S. engineered the destabilization of Haitian society, but now Barbecue has come in to unite the gangs while lifting up people’s living standards. The empire’s worst fear is that this revolutionary struggle will keep spreading, until it comes to overthrow the imperial state itself.”

Chérizier may not be entirely wrong in believing that if his forces seize power, the UN, the United States and the European Union will not cut food and financial aid, and may even increase it out of a sense of obligation to a “desperate” country.

All he would need is recognition as a “party to the conflict,” which is often the first step toward becoming a legitimate political force. After all, Colombia is now conducting formal negotiations with the Gulf Clan, a criminal group involved in drug and human trafficking. And armed groups like the FARC in Colombia, the Shining Path in Peru and Mexico’s Party of the Poor were long seen in parts of the West as political actors, despite their methods.

Chérizier may therefore believe he can one day lead Haiti, swap his combat gear for an expensive suit, and denounce imperialism not from the burning streets of Port-au-Prince but from the podiums of international conferences.

This is why the war in Haiti can no longer be dismissed as mere gang violence. It has become a genuine civil conflict, fought by radical movements - criminal in origin, but hardly unique in that - against a pro-Western government.

This editorial represents the opinions of an international policy analyst who chooses to remain anonymous to avoid compromising his work. His identity has been verified by Global South World.

Laurent Saint-Cyr, President of the Haitian Presidential Transitional Council (PTC), welcomed the officers during an official ceremony, stating that the new arrivals will work alongside Haiti’s National Police and the Armed Forces to help secure the planned 2026 elections . “Haiti needs this support. The restoration of security is an imperative to allow the holding of elections,” he said, pledging visible results for the population.

The arrival of the new contingent coincided with the departure of another group of 100 Kenyan officers who completed their mission and returned home. Saint-Cyr thanked them for their service, expressing “eternal gratitude” on behalf of the nation and wishing them a safe return to their families.

The reinforcements come as Haiti awaits the full deployment of the Gang Repression Force (GRF), which is expected to reach 5,500 personnel. According to the UN, the GRF is intended to significantly weaken gang control and improve living conditions within a year of its full mobilisation.

The scale of the challenge remains immense. In 2024 alone, gang violence in Haiti reportedly left at least 5,600 people dead, more than 2,200 injured, 1,494 kidnapped, and over one million internally displaced. Between April and June 2025, authorities recorded a further 1,520 killings and more than 600 injuries, underscoring the country’s ongoing security emergency.

Survivors described desperate scenes: families escaping at night, many forced to abandon their homes with nothing but what they carried. Coastal towns like Saint‑Marc have seen a flood of displaced people , anger rising as residents demand protection from a government many say has failed to act.

The violence continues a trend of escalating gang power across Haiti. According to recent UN-linked reports, gang violence killed more people in 2024 than in previous years, while armed groups now dominate key regions, including the capital and central territories. The attacks over the weekend underscore how fragile state control has become and how vulnerable civilians are where armed groups operate freely.

Humanitarian organisations warn that the impact goes beyond deaths and displacement: huge numbers face food insecurity, lack of shelter, disrupted access to healthcare and education , and psychological trauma from repeated violence. For many families, survival has turned into a daily struggle, with uncertainty over whether they’ll ever return home or even remain safe while fleeing.

As Haiti’s government and international actors assess next steps, this crisis highlights the urgent need for sustained humanitarian and security responses. Without a coordinated strategy to curb gang power and protect civilians, regions like Artibonite risk sinking deeper into chaos, and thousands more could be forced to abandon everything they know.

Cuban Ambassador to Venezuela Jorge Luis Mayo Fernández expressed gratitude to Caracas for the assistance and highlighted the solidarity between both nations despite external pressure. "While the empire continues to threaten the peoples of our America , the peoples of the Caribbean, and our sister Venezuela with weapons, the Caribbean is crossed by ships of solidarity, by ships of love, by planes of love and planes of solidarity” he said. The remarks were aired by Venezolana de Televisión (VTV).

He added that this gesture of solidarity reflects “the kind of relationship that should unite all the nations of the world .”

According to regional authorities, while Cuba reported no fatalities, the death toll from the hurricane has risen to more than 40 in Jamaica and Haiti.

At the heart of the collaboration is a joint project targeting key regions such as the Maribaroux Plain, Saint Raphael Valley and the Cayes–Torbeck area. Through the initiative, Haitian farmers will receive modern seeds, affordable fertilisers and access to collecting and processing machinery — upgrades that aim to triple output in fertile zones impacted by decades of instability.

Beyond immediate gains in productivity, Taiwan’s involvement underscores a broader diplomatic strategy. With Haiti one of the few Caribbean nations formally recognising Taiwan, this partnership reinforces Taipei’s role in international development and global agricultural innovation. Taiwan is not only providing equipment and training but also advancing its global standing as a partner of choice for sustainable growth.

For Haiti, the stakes are high. The country has long been challenged by political turbulence, natural disasters and chronic underinvestment in farming infrastructure. By aligning with a technologically sophisticated partner like Taiwan, Haiti hopes to break this cycle, enhance food sovereignty and reduce reliance on imports and emergency relief.

The alliance sets a precedent for how small nations and mid-sized states can collaborate to tackle global issues such as hunger, climate resilience and equitable trade. As Taiwan and Haiti move forward, their relationship sends a message: agricultural development is not simply local, but an integral part of international diplomacy and economic stability.

The MSS, led by Kenya , had aimed to deploy 2,500 officers but only managed to send 970, most of them Kenyan. Its planned first-year budget of 800 million US dollars barely reached 115 million. The new force promises a broader scope — 5,500 members, including both police and soldiers — and will be coordinated directly by the UN through a technical office tasked with logistics, resource mobilisation, and operations for 12 months. Unlike its predecessor, the GSF will be able to conduct independent operations, including the arrest of gang leaders.

The announcement has been met with cautious optimism across the region. Kenya hailed it as “a positive step forward,” while the Dominican Republic called it “a decisive move toward regional stability.” The Organisation of American States described the resolution as “vital for restoring peace and security.” Within Haiti, transitional president Laurent Saint-Cyr welcomed the measure as a long-awaited response to the country’s desperate security situation. But human rights groups remain sceptical. Pierre Esperance, head of Haiti’s National Network for the Defence of Human Rights, told France 24 that local authorities have “done nothing to fight the gangs” and that many Haitians view the mission as their last hope after years of terror.

Concerns also linger over potential civilian harm. During the previous mission, drone strikes intended to target gang leaders killed at least eight children in September and a total of 30 civilians since March. The UN estimates that up to half of gang members are minors, raising fears that intensified operations could worsen the humanitarian toll. “Human rights activists will be watching closely,” Esperance warned, calling for transparent rules of engagement and accountability mechanisms within the new force.

The mission’s launch comes amid a deep political crisis. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, Haiti has been governed by a transitional presidential council that has failed to organise elections or restore basic governance. Over 3,000 people have been killed in gang-related violence this year alone, and 1.3 million have been displaced. With more than 5.7 million Haitians facing food insecurity, analysts say that without a parallel political and economic plan, even a UN-backed military force will struggle to bring lasting stability. “Deployment alone will not be enough,” says Romain Le Cour Grandmaison of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime. “The next few months will determine Haiti’s future.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has welcomed the UN Security Council resolution authorising the deployment of a multinational force to combat gang violence in Haiti. In a statement issued on October 1, 2025, Rubio said Washington will work closely with members of the Permanent Group of Partners to ensure the rapid deployment of the Gang Repression Force.

Haiti’s Central Plateau remains paralysed after gang takeover

Six months after armed gangs seized control of Mirebalais, Saut-d'Eau, and other areas of Haiti’s lower Central Plateau, the region remains paralysed. Once an economic and cultural hub, the area is now marked by economic stagnation, closed schools, disrupted public services, and widespread insecurity. Thousands of families continue to face uncertainty as the violence shows no sign of abating.

Haiti’s transitional authorities face criticism over inaction amid crisis

Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and the Transitional Presidential Council, led by Laurent Saint-Cyr, are under growing criticism for maintaining what observers describe as a status quo marked by inaction. Despite a report by the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) implicating Sports Minister Niola Lynn Sarah Dévalis Octavius, no sanctions have been imposed, raising concerns over entrenched impunity. Meanwhile, ordinary Haitians face escalating gang violence, soaring inflation, and collapsing public services. Education, healthcare, electricity, and security have all deteriorated, while the government is accused of offering diplomatic assurances in place of concrete measures.

EU welcomes adoption of UN resolution to support Haiti’s security

The European Union has welcomed the recent adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2793 , praising the leadership of the United States and Panama in securing its passage and commending Kenya’s commitment to head the Multinational Security Support Mission. According to a statement published on its official website, the EU described the international coalition as a demonstration of the global community’s determination to address Haiti’s protracted security crisis. The resolution authorises the deployment of a strengthened international force with an expanded mandate to combat armed gangs, restore public order, and protect civilians.

UN approves creation of Gang Repression Force in Haiti

The United Nations Security Council, on September 30, adopted a resolution proposed by the United States and Panama, with Haiti’s support, to establish a Gang Repression Force (FRG). The decision, taken under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, comes after the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMAS), deployed under Kenyan leadership in June 2024, failed to halt the spread of armed groups. The resolution authorises the transition from MMAS to the FRG for an initial 12-month period, working in coordination with the Haitian government.

In an interview, Fritz Alphonse Jean, president of Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council, emphasised the urgent need for both institutional readiness and public safety to hold credible elections . 

"For elections to happen, two conditions must be met: institutional readiness, which we are currently working on, and a secure environment,” Jean said. “When we speak of a wartime budget, it is precisely to ensure that law enforcement can operate effectively and maintain public safety,” he told Viory.

Jean confirmed that international partners, including Brazil, Mexico , and Colombia, are backing Haiti’s security plans. In addition to sending officers abroad, the government is bringing in international instructors to train larger groups of officers on the ground.

"The support we are receiving from countries such as Brazil, Mexico and Colombia is aimed at ensuring we have law enforcement forces capable of meeting the security challenges we are facing," he said.

The first group of military recruits is already in Mexico undergoing an eight-week specialised training course, with a second cohort expected to follow soon.

Viv Ansanm, led by gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, and Gran Grif, led by Luckson Elan, have been central to a wave of violence that has destabilised much of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. The latest update to the UN Sanctions List 2653 , which now includes seven individuals and two entities.  

“These sanctions close the door to all possibilities of negotiations with these thugs. They must be eliminated. This is my conviction,” said Haitian political figure Michel André.

The U.S. Department of State previously warned that any individuals or organisations providing material support to these gangs could face criminal prosecution and possible expulsion or entry bans. It also emphasised that all assets and interests of the designated entities within U.S. jurisdiction would be blocked.

“Terrorist designations expose and isolate entities and individuals, denying them access to the American financial system and the resources they need to carry out attacks,” the U.S. State Department said in a statement following the initial designation.

The UN action follows alarming findings from its Expert Group on Haiti, presented in a Security Council meeting on June 5, 2025.

“The capital city was for all intents and purposes, paralysed by gangs and isolated due to the ongoing suspension of international commercial flights into the international airport,” Jenča said. He added that armed groups now influence all communes in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area and beyond, further entrenching their power.

According to the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), more than 4,000 deliberate killings have been recorded since January 2025, underscoring the severity of the crisis. “Without increased action by the international community, the complete collapse of state presence in the capital could become a very real scenario,” Jenča cautioned, urging the Organisation of American States to adopt a resolution on Haiti and support CARICOM’s efforts to restore the rule of law . “We must not fail Haiti at this critical moment,” he stressed.

In response to the deteriorating situation, Kenya led the UN-backed Multinational Security Support mission, having deployed its first contingent in June 2024. However, Kenya’s delegate reported that as of June 25, deployments had reached 991 personnel, yet still well below the 2,500 planned, the Kenyan Times reports.

Ghada Fathi Waly, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime , noted concerns, warning that an estimated 90% of Port-au-Prince is now under criminal control. “As gang control expands, the state’s capacity to govern is rapidly shrinking, with social, economic, and security implications,” Waly said during a briefing from Vienna.

She explained that armed groups have started creating parallel governance structures and offering basic services. “This erosion of state legitimacy has cascading effects, with legal commerce becoming paralysed as gangs control major trade routes, worsening existing food insecurity and humanitarian crises,” Waly said. She also noted that rising demand for guns and military-grade weapons is fuelling illicit arms markets and increasing the risk of legal weapons being diverted to criminal elements.

Investigations have been repeatedly derailed by gang violence, death threats to judges, and the resignation of court officials fearing for their lives. To date, not one of the 20 suspects imprisoned in Haiti has faced trial, despite charges being filed.

Several key suspects, including former National Palace security chief Dimitri Hérard, escaped in a mass prison break last year after gangs stormed Haiti’s main jails. Court proceedings now take place in private residences under armed guard, after the capital’s courthouse was seized by criminal groups controlling over 85% of Port-au-Prince, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) .

The case implicates 51 suspects, including 17 former Colombian soldiers, three Haitian officials, and figures linked to a Miami-based security firm. Some detainees maintain they were contracted for infrastructure security and had no role in the murder.

Allegations of torture, forced confessions, and denial of legal rights have been raised by defence lawyers. One Colombian, Jheyner Alberto Carmona Flores, testified that he suffered “psychological and physical torture,” claiming he had no knowledge of Moïse’s whereabouts during the attack.

Despite chaos in Haiti, the United States has prosecuted 11 individuals connected to the plot, with five pleading guilty. Court documents from the U.S. Department of Justice allege that the original plan was to detain Moïse, but it shifted to assassination after logistical failures. The U.S. trial is set for March 2026.

The revived Haitian probe, now overseen by six judges including Claude Jean and Phemond Damicy, is seen as a critical step toward accountability, though many remain sceptical.

“The local investigation has exposed the systemic collapse of justice in Haiti,” said Bruner Ulysse, a Haitian lawyer and historian. “International efforts may help, but true justice still feels out of reach.”

The case has significant global implications, as it reveals the fragility of governance in Haiti, a nation already overwhelmed by criminal networks and political vacuums.

The UN has expressed deep concern over increasing deportations of vulnerable Haitians, particularly pregnant women and newborns, from the Dominican Republic. As reported by the IOM, on a single day, over 400 deportees, including mothers and infants, were sent back to Haiti, where they face dire living conditions. The UN emphasises the urgent need for humanitarian support upon arrival, highlighting the disruptive impact of escalating violence and limited resources in Haiti.

Dominican President Defends Immigration Policies Amid Criticism

Dominican President Luis Abinader has rebuffed allegations of racist policies regarding immigration after Amnesty International demanded an end to mass deportations of Haitians. As mentioned in Abinader's statements and reported by AA , he encouraged the rights organisation to direct its focus on the humanitarian crisis in Haiti instead. The President justified the controversial health protocols and border security measures as necessary to protect Dominican interests amid the ongoing migration crisis.

Nightclub Owner Acknowledges Structural Issues Before Tragic Collapse

Antonio Espaillat, co-owner of a nightclub in Santo Domingo, admitted that plaster tiles had frequently fallen from the venue's ceiling due to persistent water damage, long before a catastrophic roof collapse killed over 200 people. He revealed that the establishment had never received a structural review, despite ongoing issues. Families of victims are now pursuing legal action for alleged negligence. CP24 reports that the Dominican government has pledged to investigate the disaster.

Global Innovator Jonathan J to Boost Dominican Startups at INDOTEL 4.0 Congress

Renowned innovator Jonathan J. Mentor will serve as a judge and startup trainer for INDOTEL’s inaugural I+D Lab and International Congress 4.0, held May 6–7 at Hotel Jaragua, Santo Domingo. According to Dominican Today , Mentor joins top Dominican tech leaders to identify and accelerate standout startups, providing them with expert training, mentorship, and national recognition. Through the I+D Lab, INDOTEL aims to grow the digital economy, drive high-quality tech ventures, and position the Dominican Republic as a regional innovation leader.

Dominican Republic's Recent Crackdown on Undocumented Migrants in Hospitals

In a targeted operation, the Dominican Republic deported over 130 undocumented Haitian women and children from hospitals as part of an immigration crackdown initiated by President Abinader. Under new regulations, hospitals are required to verify patients' legal documentation before treatment, raising concerns from medical professionals who argue that such measures deter vulnerable migrants from seeking necessary healthcare, Channel 5 Belize reports.

Expressing deep concern, Geng outlined the escalating crisis in Haiti, marked by rampant gang violence and a deteriorating state, which has led to a critical humanitarian situation for its citizens. During a special session, María Isabel Salvador presented a grim report detailing the staggering violence, with over 1,000 individuals killed and more than 1 million displaced since December, warning of an impending point of no return due to this escalating violence.

Geng’s remarks attributed a significant portion of the crisis to the historical interference of the United States, asserting that the U.S. has been the greatest external factor disrupting Haiti’s security and development. He condemned the American interventionist policies , which have included military deployments and the installation of puppet governments, asserting that the U.S. has consistently been the primary source of arms fueling gang violence in Haiti. He cited a recent report from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime illustrating that gangs in Haiti possess greater firepower than police forces.

Additionally, Geng criticized the U.S. for its lack of substantial contributions to the Multinational Security Support Mission, despite promises of financial assistance. He referenced the freezing of $13 million in aid by the Trump administration earlier this year as an example of the inconsistent support provided to Haiti.

In conclusion, the Chinese representative urged a reevaluation of U.S. actions in Haiti and emphasized that the future of Haiti should not be jeopardized for the U.S.'s strategic interests. He called for a commitment to effective, targeted assistance rather than superficial engagements, reaffirming support for collaborative efforts with regional organizations like Caricom and the UN Integrated Office in Haiti, to address the root causes of the ongoing crisis.

Some parents have nothing to give their children, and many families can only afford to eat every other day.

The problem is not a lack of food in the markets but the rising prices, which most people cannot afford. Armed gangs are making things worse by blocking roads and demanding bribes from truck drivers, causing food prices to go even higher. Many families have no income at all and are now in heavy debt.

A survey of nearly 200 families in two towns found that almost 90 percent had gone a full day without food in the past month. Some had gone 24 hours without eating more than 10 times.

Parents say it is heartbreaking to see their children go hungry, and some people are now forced to ask friends and relatives for food.

The situation is especially dangerous for women and girls. Some are being forced into unsafe situations just to get food.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also at risk, as malnutrition is making childbirth even more dangerous.

Haiti needs almost $900 million in aid, but so far, very little has been raised. Experts warn that if nothing is done soon, more people will starve to death.

Haiti has been grappling with severe gang violence, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince. The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 has led to a power vacuum, exacerbating the violence and instability. Armed groups now control large swathes of the city, making it difficult for humanitarian aid to reach those in need.

The troops were welcomed at the airport by high-ranking officials, including Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council leader Leslie Voltaire and Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé.

Godfrey Otunge, who commands the Kenyan troops in the MSS, also welcomed the new arrivals. “We don’t take it for granted. We have a prime minister who is also our friend,” he was quoted as saying .

As part of the United Nations- and United States-backed effort to help Haiti’s police restore order, the troops will work with the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission.

Normil Rameau, the acting head of Haiti’s National Police, said the support of the people is crucial.

“A marriage of the police with the people of Haiti remains the most effective way to restore security and lasting peace,” he was quoted as saying .

Haiti has struggled with rising gang violence since President Jovenel Moïse was killed in 2021. The country also faces natural disasters and a hunger crisis.

The UN approved the MSS mission in 2023 after Haiti repeatedly asked for international help. The mission includes police officers from Kenya, but their deployment faced delays. When they arrived last year, many did not get paid for months.

Despite these efforts, gang violence continues in the country. In November, flights to Haiti were grounded after bullets hit planes flying over Port-au-Prince and in October, gangs attacked US Embassy vehicles, leading to the evacuation of 20 embassy staff.

Violence has escalated in the country, with gangs now controlling 85% of Port-au-Prince. More than 5,000 people have been killed this year in gang-related attacks alone.

A recent incident at Toussaint Louverture International Airport involved gunfire that injured a U.S. flight attendant. Although the airport has reopened, the U.S. has extended its flight ban to Haiti until March 2025.

JetBlue has also suspended flights to Haiti until April 30, 2025, after several aircraft, including those from Spirit and American Airlines, were hit by bullets in November.

 Gang violence has also led to other tragedies, such as the burning of Bernard Mevs Hospital and the killing of over 100 people, including elderly Vodou leaders, in Cité-Soleil.

The government has since created a National Security Council to help stabilise the country.

“We are taking all necessary steps to restore order and ensure the safety of our people,” Haitian officials were quoted in a statement .

In his first public remarks, Fils-Aime acknowledged the severe challenges facing the nation, particularly the alarming rise in gang violence that has paralyzed the capital, Port-au-Prince.

"We have a transition with lots of work to do: the first essential job, which is a condition for success, is restoring security," AFP quoted Fils-Aime. He pledged to dedicate his "energy, skills, and patriotism" to the national cause, recognizing the country's "difficult circumstances."

Fils-Aime's appointment comes at a time of heightened instability in Haiti, which has been without a president since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021.

The country is also without a functioning parliament, and the last elections were held in 2016. The political vacuum, combined with ongoing poverty, natural disasters, and escalating gang violence, has left the Caribbean nation in crisis.

The violence took a dramatic turn in February when armed gangs launched coordinated attacks in Port-au-Prince, reportedly to overthrow then-prime minister Ariel Henry.

Henry, who was unelected and increasingly unpopular, stepped down as gang-led chaos swept through the capital. A transitional council, supported by the United States and regional allies, assumed power, but violence has continued to escalate, with gangs controlling around 80 per cent of Port-au-Prince.

The situation remains dire, with a recent United Nations report stating that over 1,200 people were killed between July and September, as gang-related violence surged.

The gangs are now using more advanced tactics, including drones, and have fortified their territories with weapons and explosives. Reports indicate that more than 700,000 people, including 350,000 children, have been displaced due to the violence.

Lidia Baez, a protester who spoke to AFP shared "I come to protest the illegal invasion from Haitians, we have full schools, we have full hospitals, we have a whole corrupt system that keeps those illegals here. We want our homeland to be 'us'... of us, we do not want Haitian invaders in our country."

Manuel Velez added, "The government is taking pressure from international organisations when we put him (President Luis Abinader) to lead us and to do the things that the Dominican people want him to do."

The protest was a response to the Dominican government's plan to deport up to 10,000 undocumented migrants per week as announced on Wednesday, October 2 by presidential spokesman Homero Figueroa.

"This operation aims to reduce the excessive migrant populations detected in Dominican communities," Figueroa explained, adding the expulsions would start "immediately" and be done "according to strict protocols that ensure respect for human rights."

The violence has also affected the country’s security and health systems, with critical services collapsing. The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) says the number of displaced people, particularly children, has risen by 22 percent since June.

"This is hell!" says Immacula Pierre, a displaced woman living in a shelter in Port-au-Prince. "This is it! I live it here. Growing up, I used to hear that hell and heaven exist. Well, I'm living hell in Haiti today."

The UN has called for greater international attention and support, urging a sustained humanitarian response to assist those affected. Many of the displaced are living in overcrowded shelters or being hosted by struggling families, with limited access to food, healthcare, and basic supplies.

Efforts to restore security and stability continue, with the UN Security Council approving a multinational policing mission to help the Haitian police deal with the escalating crisis.

In his address, President Ruto praised the efforts of Kenyan forces and their collaboration with the Haitian National Police, stating, "There are many people who thought this Haiti was mission impossible. But today, they have changed their mind because of the progress you have made,” AFP reports.

Ruto expressed optimism about the mission's impact on Haiti's security situation. "Today there is a lot more confidence that the job of stabilizing Haiti - dealing with gangs, violence, and freeing the people from the yoke of underdevelopment caused by violence - is possible," he said.

"I know that this job you are going to overcome. This is an assignment we are undertaking as a responsible member of the international community, and because we believe in God," Ruto added while promising further support.

Ruto further committed to enforcing the mission, promising more resources. "I want to commit to you that I will do everything possible to make sure that you have additional personnel, more equipment, and are better resourced so that you can undertake this assignment on behalf of all people of goodwill, both in Kenya, in our region, and globally," he added.

An estimated 200 armed gangs are believed to be operating in Haiti, with around half active in Port-au-Prince.

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in a press briefing stated that these false narratives are not only harmful but also put the lives of affected communities in danger, the AFP reports. 

"What is happening here is an attempt to tear apart communities and spread dangerous misinformation. This is an insult to all Americans and undermines our shared values," she said.

She further emphasised that such conspiracy theories contribute to fear among Haitian and Haitian-American communities, diverting focus from genuine efforts to unite and support all citizens. "Our country deserves better leadership that does not fall for fake internet conspiracy theories," Jean-Pierre added.

On Monday, September 9, JD Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate, alleged that residents of Springfield, Ohio, are experiencing “pets being abducted and eaten by people who shouldn’t be in this country.” Trump persisted with these claims, stating, “They’re eating the dogs, they’re eating the cats, they’re eating the pets of the people that live there… it’s a shame.”

Head of the MSS Mission, Godfrey Otunge praised the arrival of the CARICOM Advanced Team, highlighting their role in strengthening the mission’s operations. 

"Since we started the targeted operations, we have recorded successes that must go unnoticed. I'm happy that the CARICOM Advanced Team, that the Belize and Jamaica, who are now here, and we are going to have more security operations because they are coming with special strength. I'm happy MSS is now a fully multinational functional mission," Otunge is quoted in a video by the AFP. 

He reassured the Haitian community of the mission’s commitment, emphasizing that "failure is not an option" and reaffirming the goal of restoring stability and democracy to Haiti. 

"I can tell the Haitian community and the Haitian people , as I said earlier, we are not going to fail you. There is nothing like failure in this mission. The mission we must ensure that Haiti regains its glory," he added.

The newly announced $60 million in aid will be provided through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and will focus on addressing immediate needs such as food, water, shelter, and other essential services.

This funding comes in addition to the $105 million previously committed by the United States to support Haiti's humanitarian efforts.

Haiti has been struggling with severe challenges, including widespread gang violence, political instability, and a dire humanitarian situation.

The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 exacerbated the country's turmoil, leading to increased gang control over large parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince.

The violence has displaced approximately 580,000 people, with over half of them being children, and has left 4 million people facing food insecurity.

Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield's visit also included meetings with the Kenyan police force, which is leading a UN-backed security mission in Haiti. This mission aims to support the Haitian National Police in curbing gang violence and restoring order.

The Kenyan police have recently begun patrolling parts of Port-au-Prince, marking a crucial step in stabilising the region.

What they said

“We are counting on your support”, said the Haitian Police official Joachim Prohete , seeking reassurance from the Kenyan police team about arrangements for the deployment. Kenya’s IGP reiterated the country’s commitment to supporting Haiti tackle gang violence that has plagued the country in recent times. “NPS remains committed to collaboration in the mission, for the good of the people of Haiti, especially women and children,” Japhet Koome said .

What they said

Earlier, U.S. President Joe Biden had expressed appreciation to Kenya’s President William Ruto for consenting for his police force to lead the mission to quell violence in Haiti. During a visit by the Kenyan President to the U.S, Biden said , “I thank President Ruto of Kenya for his willingness to serve as a lead nation of the UN-backed security support mission. I call on the security mission to authorize this mission now. The people of Haiti can’t wait much longer.”

Despite fierce debate in parliament over the safety of Kenyan troops in Haiti and opposition by some ministries, human rights activists, and sections of the public, police officers began training in late 2023, the New York Times reports.

After months of training, the Kenyan police officers have been called back from leave this week ahead of their deployment expected to happen by the close of May.

Meanwhile, the United States of America (U.S.) military has set up barracks in Haiti which will serve as the operation grounds for deployed police officers from Kenya. The base will be set up in Haiti’s capital city Port-au-Prince.

A total of 1,000 Kenyan police officers are expected to be deployed as part of the 2,500 members making up the international mission. The Kenyan contingent consists of 1,000 officers drawn from National Police Service units: the paramilitary General Service Unit, Rapid Deployment Unit, Anti-Stock Theft Unit, and Border Police Unit.

The other 1,500 will comprise personnel from half a dozen nations that have pledged to support the mission.

Kenyan President, William Ruto is also expected to be hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden on May 23 during an official state visit to discuss a range of issues including the recent flooding and debt.

Haiti's police are struggling to contain the escalating violence from armed gangs, with the police chief's house being attacked and key institutions threatened. The police, though outnumbered and outgunned, have gained newfound respect among some Haitians and have managed to defend government buildings. Help from a multinational force led by Kenya has been delayed, leaving the police to continue battling the gangs on their own. The police force is understaffed and lacks proper equipment, but has shown resilience in the face of significant challenges, The Irish Times reports.

Jailbreak leads to death of inmates

A jailbreak in northern Haiti led to four inmates dead and two at large. Gang violence in the country has led to over 4,600 inmates escaping from prisons. The escapees were considered dangerous and the city was put on lockdown to recapture them. The escape was reportedly due to negligence, and an investigation is underway. According to First Post , the country has been politically unstable for decades, with recent gang attacks leading to widespread chaos.

Increased security efforts for Haiti

Preparations are underway for a multinational security force to stabilize Haiti, where gangs have caused a humanitarian crisis. U.S. military planes and civilian contractors have begun arriving in Haiti, with Kenya leading the seven-nation security mission. The New York Times reports that deployment, estimated to cost $600 million, is urgent due to the worsening security situation and hunger crisis in Haiti. The exact deployment date has not been announced, but efforts are being made to advance the goal of providing greater security for the Haitian people.

Suriname pledges support for Haiti

Suriname is sending troops to aid Haiti, citing an urgent need for assistance in the country. President Santokhi emphasized the need for a multi-tiered approach to support, including international, regional, and bilateral cooperation. According to the Caribbean National Weekly , Suriname is actively preparing personnel for deployment and emphasizing training and readiness for the mission. Haiti struggles with political instability, gang violence, and social unrest, but aims to establish a transitional council to facilitate democratic elections by 2025 for stability and a prosperous future.

Heavy rains cause floods

Heavy rains in Haiti have killed at least 17 people and flooded thousands of homes, particularly in the northern region. The country is already facing economic and security challenges, making the situation more difficult for residents, Democracy Now reports.