Haiti's Capital Is As Close As It's Been To Fall As Gangs Continue To Make Gains

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Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, is as close as it's been to falling as heavily armed gangs continue to expand their control, leaving government institutions in retreat and residents trapped.

Gangs part of coalition Viv Ansanm have taken over key neighborhoods, forcing the closure of public offices, schools, and businesses, the Miami Herald reported in an update of the security situation there. The Haitian National Police, supported by a Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission, is unable to contain the violence, much less counter gangs.

The gangs have divided the city, especially after a January attack in Kenscoff, which left strategic neighborhoods vulnerable. The removal of armored police vehicles from downtown to reinforce Kenscoff created an opening for gangs to expand, seizing roads that lead to the country's international airport and surrounding regions.

With the capital effectively encircled, residents in Laboule, Thomassin, and Kenscoff have issued calls for help, reporting that armed groups are demanding passage into wealthier areas. Gang presence near financial institutions, media outlets, and critical infrastructure has raised concerns that further expansion could force the closure of Haiti's airspace.

The crisis has strained the country's transitional government. The nine-member Transitional Presidential Council, already facing internal conflicts and a lack of a coordinated strategy, risks losing authority if the capital falls. Last year, an attempted gang takeover was thwarted through international intervention, leading to the ouster of the prime minister. However, security has not improved, and the political transition remains stalled.

Haitian police and international security forces have conducted operations that have forced gangs to retreat from some areas. However, analysts warn that without a sustained presence they will quickly regain control.

The outlet also quotes a report from security firm Halo Solutions, which says that more than 50 government buildings, including ministries, courts, and schools, have been abandoned, further reducing state authority. The deterioration is especially evident around Champ-de-Mars, the public square near the presidential palace, where government offices were recently evacuated. Some businesses have begun relocating to Pétion-Ville in an attempt to escape the violence.

Experts suggest that the transitional government could be forced to operate in exile from Cap-Haïtien, a northern port city where some international organizations have already relocated staff.