A Nation in Uncertainty: A Closer Look at Haiti’s Ongoing Struggle with Gang Violence as Elections Approach
Gang violence in Haiti continues to threaten the safety and stability of local communities, especially as the country dances renewed uncertainty surrounding the upcoming elections, which were supposed to be held on December 13th, but have been postponed indefinitely.
A 94-page report compiled by experts appointed by the U.N. secretary general António Guterres has revealed that gangs still remain strong today despite actions being taken by the general in response to the murder of over 30 people earlier this July. This included a gang-suppression force led by the Kenyan police to help the local police force fight gangs. He has also met up with Prime Minister Alix Didier-Fils-Aimé to discuss the state of Haiti.
Furthermore, the report highlighted how the upcoming elections has led to influential political figures making connections with criminal networks so as to advance their own agendas such as influencing electoral votes, undermining stability, and instilling fear in their political rivals. This has made overall national security harder to achieve.
Among those most affected are women and children, whose safety has been compromised due to the gangs’ response to the elections. They are facing heightened risks of sexual violence and gang recruitment, with some gangs dedicating cells specifically to women. With many main roads predominantly controlled by gangs, accessing essential resources and traveling safely has become increasingly difficult for families who are encountering disruption to their children’s education and their ability to provide for their households.
At Dare Humanity, we believe that access to education and basic necessities are a human right, and that every Haitian deserves to have the opportunity to build a brighter future for themselves. Through our Young Dreams Sponsorship Program, we help cover tuition fees for children in Haiti, while our Men Kontre (Helping Hands) Program provides families with sufficient food supplies. Although these efforts cannot resolve the country’s wider security crisis, we remain committed to supporting as many families as we can in these times of need.
As such, it is disheartening to see the vast majority of local communities having to continue to live with such uncertainty. We hope for a future where Haitian families can live without fear, have access to basic necessities, and children can pursue their education safely. We invite everyone to keep Haiti in their thoughts and prayers, and join us in supporting efforts that bring opportunity to those who need it most.
Citations:
(2026, October 10). Report offers new insight into Haitian gangs as general election loom. The Haitian Times. Retrieved from https://haitiantimes.com/2026/10/10/haiti-gangs-political-ties-election-violence-un-report/
Coto, D. (2026, June 17). UN chief visits Haiti, where a new international force will be deployed to help fight gangs. AP News. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/haiti-un-secretary-general-guterres-gangs-d118ce2bd8bcb2bb86f3bc91d27825f6
Comments