The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) is a platform to promote greater debate and innovative approaches to serve as the building blocks of an inclusive global strategy against organized crime. The organization recently released a Risk Bulletin, a periodic publication of the Observatory of Violence and Resilience in Haiti analyzing key trends in the political economy of violence in Haiti.
The Development of Gang Violence in Haiti
The report notes that the crisis that began on 29 February, with coordinated gang attacks on the capital, Port-au-Prince, led to a violent reconfiguration of the political situation on the ground. The ensuing months have been marked by an unprecedented level of humanitarian crisis, infrastructure destruction and deep institutional transformation, with the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, the creation of a Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) and the recent formation of a government, led by the appointed prime minister, Garry Conille.
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Although the crisis undoubtedly marked the edge of the abyss, the gangs have ceased in their conquest of the capital. Port-au-Prince has returned to the precarious order that prevailed before 29 February, in which daily life coexists with gang shootings and attacks. One major exception is that the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, led by a Kenyan police force, was finally deployed on 25 June, with 200 troops on the ground. This inaugural issue analyzes these dynamics and more.
The report analyzed how a gang coalition has transformed violence in Port-au-Prince following the breakdown of rule of law since President Moise was at the helm and the merger of two former rival
alliances: the G9 Family and Allies, and the G-Pèp (GPeople) alliance. ‘Viv Ansanm’ has taken root.
The report notes, and since February, the gangs’ ecosystem has evolved in several ways.
“Under the banner of Viv Ansanm, gangs have not only extended their domination, but have also changed their strategy by systematically targeting key public and private institutions. These include prisons, one of them the capital’s main penitentiary, from which most of the inmates have escaped in March; a dozen police stations, which have been looted or destroyed; the international airport, which remained closed for almost three months; and the capital’s fuel terminal, which was blocked by the
gangs for several days, between April and May”.
What can be done to strengthen the mechanism?
The report suggests that “given the overall degradation in the situation in Haiti and the lengthy delay in the deployment of the MSS force intended to help stabilize the country, a renewed push on sanctions is arguably an important element both to address and shape the criminal threats impacting Haiti
and to signal focus to the Haitian population”.
It advises that “a multinational strategy should be developed to address Haiti’s gangs, their logistical suppliers and business partners, and their political and business enablers … a more nuanced focus on
the business and political enablers of gang activity within Haiti”.
“Ultimately, information suggests that international sanctions can have a shaping effect within Haiti,
particularly when it comes to deterring business and political elites. Used strategically and in tandem with
other elements in the international toolkit, sanctions thus offer an option for responding to the current crisis”.
