Gangs of Haiti: Expansion, power and an escalating crisis
- Gangs have expanded their territories and control over Haiti's political and economic infrastructure.
- Gangs act as mercenary partners of politicians and state administrators.
- There are an estimated 200 gangs operating across Haiti, with around 95 in Port-au-Prince alone.
- Gangs profit from kidnapping, raiding businesses, and controlling key areas of economic activity.
- Political figures employ gangs to control urban areas, suppress dissent, and influence elections.
The report examines the growth of gang violence in Haiti, linking it to political instability, economic hardship, and natural disasters. It explores the historical context of armed groups in Haitian politics, from the Tonton Macoutes to contemporary gangs. The analysis focuses on how gangs have become deeply embedded in Haiti's political economy, acting as mercenary partners for politicians, engaging in mafia-style extortion, and coordinating with international criminal networks. The report also maps the major gangs and alliances in Port-au-Prince, detailing their territorial control and impact on local communities. Eyewitness accounts provide insights into the devastating effects of gang violence on the lives of ordinary Haitians.
How to cite
Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), 2022, Gangs of Haiti: Expansion, power and an escalating crisis, accessed via HaitiDocs, https://www.haitidocs.org/doc/gitoc-2022-gangs-haiti-expansion-power