Haiti Problems 12-3-25

In December 2025, Haiti faces a severe humanitarian crisis marked by widespread gang violence, high levels of displacement, and political instability. Key problems include ongoing gang control over parts of the capital, a struggling security mission, and a lack of basic services, exacerbated by recent flooding. Food insecurity is also a major issue, with nearly half the population facing acute hunger.  

Security and Political Issues

Gang violence: Gangs control territory in and around the capital, leading to thousands of deaths and injuries.

Political instability: The Transitional Presidential Council is mired in infighting, and the country lacks stable leadership.

Security mission struggles: The UN-authorized security mission has been underfunded and ineffective against the gangs. 

Humanitarian and Social Crises

Mass displacement: Over 1.4 million people are internally displaced, with the number increasing significantly in 2025 due to violence.

Food insecurity: Nearly half of the population is experiencing acute food insecurity, with conditions potentially worsening in 2025.

Humanitarian needs: Millions of children require humanitarian assistance, and there is a critical need for WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) services.

Sexual violence: Women and girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence, which gangs use as a tool of intimidation and control. 

Environmental and Infrastructure Problems

Climate-related disasters: Above-average rainfall is expected, and previous floods damaged infrastructure like schools and sanitation systems.

Infrastructure collapse: Attacks have destroyed homes, infrastructure, and essential services, including those related to water and healthcare. 

In December 2025, Haiti continues to face a severe, multifaceted crisis characterized by pervasive gang violence, political instability, a dire humanitarian situation, and vulnerability to natural disasters. 

Key problems include:

Security Crisis

Widespread Gang Control and Violence: Criminal groups control large portions of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and have expanded into other key regions like the Artibonite. Violence, including killings, kidnappings, widespread sexual assault, and forced recruitment of children, is rampant.

Ineffective Security Forces: The national police are understaffed and under-resourced, struggling to contain the violence. The UN-authorized Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, led by Kenya, is operational but significantly underfunded and under-personnelled, limiting its effectiveness.

Justice System Collapse: The justice system is largely non-functional, with court buildings seized by gangs and a near-total lack of accountability for human rights abuses. 

Humanitarian Crisis

Mass Displacement: Over 1.4 million people are internally displaced (IDPs) due to the violence, placing immense pressure on host communities and makeshift shelters with limited resources.

Acute Food Insecurity: Nearly half of the population (approximately 5.5 million people) needs humanitarian assistance, with millions facing acute hunger, including thousands experiencing famine-like conditions.

Health System Near Collapse: Only about 40% of health facilities nationwide are functional, with many health workers having fled the country. Access to clean water and sanitation is limited, aggravating disease outbreaks like cholera.

Disrupted Education: Escalating violence has led to the closure of over a thousand schools, depriving more than a million children of education. 

Political and Economic Instability

Fragile Transitional Government: A transitional presidential council and a new prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, are in place with a mandate to restore security and organize elections by late 2026, but the government is unstable and faces internal disputes and corruption allegations.

Economic Devastation: The security crisis has crippled economic activity, particularly in the agricultural sector, and led to high inflation and widespread poverty, making the country heavily dependent on imports.

External Challenges: International support and funding for the security and humanitarian responses remain insufficient. Neighboring countries, primarily the Dominican Republic, are continuing mass deportations of Haitians fleeing the violence, adding further strain. 

Environmental Vulnerability

Natural Disasters: Haiti is highly vulnerable to natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and droughts, which exacerbate existing humanitarian and food crises. The country experienced significant damage and deaths from Hurricane Melissa in October and November 2025. 

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Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader