Haiti: Signs of hope despite gang violence and political uncertainty

For millions of Haitians, daily life has become a struggle to stay safe, find enough food and simply move around their own neighbourhood.

Powerful armed gangs control large parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and continue expanding into other parts of the country. Families are fleeing their homes in record numbers, schools and health centres have closed, and humanitarian agencies are struggling to meet soaring needs as funding runs dangerously low.

Yet amid the crisis there are also signs of progress. Haitian authorities are pressing ahead with long-delayed plans to restore democratic government through elections, security forces have begun pushing gangs out of some strategic areas, and new international support is arriving to help tackle the violence.

Humanitarian situation: Millions need help, but aid is running short

The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen as violence, displacement and economic hardship reinforce one another. More than half the country’s population of around 11 million now needs relief aid.

Haiti has not had an elected president since the murder of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, due to long-term instability and insecurity.

Restoring democratic government remains one of the country’s biggest challenges, but credible voting cannot take place unless security improves significantly.