Summary
Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, is mostly controlled by gangs, according to the United Nations. The gangs are spreading violence to new areas and limiting the government's ability to function. A U.N. mission led by Kenya is trying to help but is lacking resources and staff.
Key Facts
- Gangs control about 90% of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti.
- Violence is spreading to areas that were previously peaceful.
- Gangs are taking over key trade routes, affecting the supply of goods like cooking fuel and rice.
- The U.N. warns that Haiti’s government may fully collapse if no international action is taken.
- The Kenyan-led U.N. mission to reduce gang violence is only 40% complete in staffing.
- Private security firms and vigilante groups are growing fast to deal with the gangs, with some acting illegally.
- In the last three months, these groups have reportedly killed over 100 suspected gang members.
- Sexual violence by gangs has increased, with 364 incidents reported in just two months.
