The UN warns of an increase in violence in Haiti as gangs control Port-au-Prince

In its latest update on conditions in Haiti on Wednesday, October 30, the United Nations reported a 30% increase in violence from July to September, with more than 1,740 people killed or injured amid escalating gang control of Port-au- Prince. This violence includes the deaths of children, kidnappings and numerous extrajudicial killings allegedly committed by Haitian police.

“Gangs are increasingly claiming roles typically assigned to the police and the judiciary, while imposing their own rules,” the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) said in a report shared with The Haitian Times.

The agency emphasized that the lack of government control in many parts of Port-au-Prince has allowed gangs to fill the void, enforce their authority and operate with near impunity. BINUH noted that gangs now control about 85% of the capital, up from 80% in the previous quarter.

In the third quarter, BINUH documented 1,223 homicides, most of which were attributable to gang violence. However, 106 extrajudicial killings have reportedly been committed by law enforcement officers, including those of the specialized units of the Haitian National Police (PNH). Children were among the victims, with six minors as young as ten years old accused of sharing information with gang members before being killed.

Jean Ernest Muscadin, the prosecutor of Miragoâne, is also involved in at least 10 extrajudicial killings, part of the 36 cases attributed to him since 2022, according to the UN report.

Children among the victims and gang tactics

Children, who were particularly vulnerable in the escalating conflict, faced alarming levels of violence. The United Nations reports that at least 59 minors have been killed, injured or kidnapped in recent times. Many were also subjected to human trafficking, gang recruitment and sexual violence. The UN expressed serious concern about the “ongoing acts of sexual violence perpetrated by gangs against women and girls” and noted the urgent need for protection in the absence of functional state institutions.

In addition to murder and kidnapping, gangs exploit children as human shields, blocking escape routes for civilians and targeting those trying to flee gang-controlled zones.

The UN Security Council Expert Group on Haiti highlighted in their October 29 report that gangs are adapting their tactics to counter law enforcement efforts. “To protect their territory, gangs are digging trenches, erecting barricades, using scouts and drones to monitor police movements, and preparing gas canisters and Molotov cocktails,” the UN experts said.

Although the UN Security Council recently tightened an arms embargo, the illegal arms trade persists, while heavy caliber weapons continue to enter the country. Gangs have reportedly launched a recruitment drive to expand their forces, adding to a planned total of 5,500 members. Many gangs now film their stockpiles of weapons and ammunition as an intimidation tactic, further complicating security efforts, the UN investigators said.

International response and call to action

With the increased violence, the UN has underscored the urgency of deploying the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), a Kenyan-led international police force approved to support Haitian authorities. However, this mission faces a need for more funding and personnel, prompting BINUH to renew its calls for more robust international intervention.

Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesman for the Secretary General, emphasized on Wednesday the need for an accelerated deployment of the support mission.

“The data from our colleagues highlights the continued allegations of summary executions involving specialized units of the Haitian National Police,” Dujarric said.

“(The mission) continues to call on the international community to keep Haiti on its agenda and to expedite the full and rapid deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission,” Dujarric continued, while acknowledging that the efforts of the Haitian judicial authorities starting to solve some problems. of the impunity that fuels continued violence.

Internal tensions and frustrations in the government

As gang violence escalates, tensions between the two transitional branches of government are also raising concerns. The Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) has called for a cabinet reshuffle, among other demands from Prime Minister Conille, who heads the government.

In a statement on October 28, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) warned that the political infighting could jeopardize the transition process needed to restore security and prepare for elections before February 7, 2026.

“This inappropriate and distracting conflict is taking place at a time when insecurity and humanitarian crises are seriously worsening,” CARICOM said.

“These differences… undermine trust between Haiti’s partners and the broader international community, hindering the critical assistance Haiti urgently needs.”

During an intervention on Tele Metropole On Wednesday, US Ambassador to Haiti Dennis Hankins criticized the government’s internal conflicts, saying they “send a bad signal to the international community” and risk further destabilizing the country.

Several Haitian civil society leaders have expressed similar concerns, warning that ongoing political discord could embolden gangs and derail the transition to new leadership and the rule of law.

In this climate, Haitians continue to search for stability amid widespread insecurity, with hopes for effective change tempered by persistent political divisions and an escalating humanitarian crisis.

The Haitian times will continue to provide updates on these developments as they unfold, focusing on the Haitian diaspora’s calls for sustainable security solutions in the country.

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