Haiti Crisis Persists 2-6-26

As of January 31, 2026, Haiti is experiencing one of the most severe, multifaceted crises in its recent history, characterized by near-total gang control of the capital, widespread hunger, and a collapsing state structure. The situation is considered dire, with critical humanitarian and security developments taking place in early 2026.  

Security and Political Conditions

Gang Control: Armed gangs control approximately 80% to 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, with violence extending into surrounding regions.

Violence Levels: Over 8,100 killings were reported between January and November 2025, with violence increasing towards the end of the year.

Political Instability: The country is at a "critical juncture" with the transitional presidential council's mandate set to expire around February 7, 2026, and significant doubt regarding the ability to hold elections due to security issues.

International Presence: The UN-authorized Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission has struggled due to funding and personnel shortages. 

Humanitarian and Economic Crisis

Displacement: Internally displaced persons (IDPs) have doubled to roughly 1.4 million people in one year.

Food Insecurity: Approximately 5.7 million people, roughly half the population, are facing high levels of acute food insecurity.

Health and Education: The health system is on the brink of collapse with cholera remaining a major

concern. Over 1,600 schools closed in the 2024-25 school year, depriving 1.5 million children of education.

Forced Returns: Hundreds of thousands of Haitians are being returned from the Dominican Republic, adding to the pressure on local resources and increasing risks of homelessness and violence. 

Key Developments (Jan 31, 2026)

TPS Termination: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has terminated the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Haiti, effective 11:59 p.m. on February 3, 2026, meaning 340,000 Haitians may face deportation.

Travel Ban: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) extended its ban on U.S. flights to Port-au-Prince until at least March 2026 due to gang threats.

State of Emergency: The country remains under a state of emergency (initiated in March 2024), with Level 4 "Do Not Travel" warnings in place. 

As of January 31, 2026, Haiti is enduring one of the most severe humanitarian and security crises in its recent history. Conditions remain extremely volatile, characterized by the following: 

Security and Governance

Gang Control: Armed gangs control approximately 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and have expanded their territory into central regions like Artibonite.

Political Deadlock: The country is at a critical juncture as the Transitional Presidential Council’s mandate is scheduled to end on February 7, 2026. UN officials have warned of a possible institutional vacuum if new governance arrangements are not finalized immediately.

Ongoing Violence: More than 8,100 killings were documented between January and November 2025, with violence intensifying in the final months of the year. 

Humanitarian Crisis

Displacement: Over 1.4 million people are internally displaced, a figure that has doubled over the past year.

Food Insecurity: Approximately 5.7 million people—nearly half the population—face acute food insecurity, with 2 million people at emergency levels.

Health and Infrastructure: The health system is near collapse due to shortages of staff and supplies, combined with the ongoing threat of cholera. Hundreds of schools remain closed due to insecurity, leaving 1.5 million children without education. 

International & Travel Status

U.S. Flight Ban: The FAA has extended its ban on U.S. flights to Port-au-Prince through March 2026 due to gang threats against aviation.

Travel Advisories: Both the U.S. Department of State and Global Affairs Canada maintain Level 4 "Do Not

Travel" advisories for Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest.

TPS Deadline: Tomorrow, February 1, marks a critical period as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has set February 3, 2026, as the termination date for Haiti's Temporary Protected Status (TPS), potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of Haitians in the U.S.. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+are+conditions+in+haiti+on+1-31-26+google

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader