Haitian police announce the deaths of over 25 armed gang members in major operations around Port-au-Prince, as the government pledges new measures to restore security and address the root causes of violence.

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In a decisive response to the escalating crisis, the Haitian National Police (PNH) reported the killing of more than 25 members of armed gangs during recent operations in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince and provincial cities. Most of those killed belonged to the Viv Ansanm coalition, targeted in a coordinated operation in Kenscoff, while several associates of notorious gang leaders also fell during confrontations.

Haiti is enduring an unprecedented wave of violence, with gangs controlling up to 85% of Port-au-Prince and over 5,000 lives lost to gang-related violence in the past year alone. The United Nations estimates that more than a million people have been displaced, and recent attacks have forced thousands from their homes, deepening the humanitarian emergency.

Government Commitment and Community Mobilization

The Transitional Council, led by President Leslie Voltaire, has recognized the severity of the situation, calling for collective action and international support to stem the flow of weapons and dismantle criminal networks. Authorities emphasize the need for societal mobilization, urging citizens to cooperate with community police and highlighting the transnational dimensions of the crisis, which include arms and drug trafficking.

Haiti: death toll rises amid clashes between the PNH and armed gangs

In response, the PNH has ramped up operations, deploying additional officers to high-risk areas, increasing patrols, and collaborating with community leaders to gather intelligence. The government also acknowledges that sustainable peace requires addressing the root causes of violence-poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education-through a multifaceted approach.

The rise of community self-defense groups, such as the bwa kale movement, reflects widespread frustration with the state’s limited capacity to ensure security. While these groups have sometimes targeted gang members, their actions have also led to tragic excesses and further instability, underscoring the urgent need for a coordinated and humane security strategy.

Despite the arrival of a UN-backed mission to support Haitian authorities, the mission remains understaffed and underfunded, highlighting the necessity of robust international solidarity. The government’s renewed commitment to restoring order, coupled with grassroots mobilization and international assistance, marks a critical juncture in Haiti’s struggle for peace and sovereignty.

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