Haiti’s story today is one of stark contradictions. As international delegations arrive to foster alliances, gangs tighten their grip on neighborhoods, and citizens cling to fleeting moments of progress.
In this comprehensive update, we unpack the layered realities shaping Haiti’s present—diplomacy, danger, despair, and determination—and what they mean for the future.
Diplomatic Spotlight: Colombia’s President Visits Jacmel’s Historic Shores
This Wednesday, January 22, 2025, the coastal city of Jacmel, a UNESCO Creative City famed for its vibrant arts and revolutionary history, rolls out the red carpet for Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
The visit marks a symbolic nod to Haiti’s role in Latin America’s independence movements—Jacmel is where Francisco de Miranda, a precursor to Simón Bolívar, designed liberation flags in the early 1800s.
Key Details:
- Budget: Haiti’s government allocated 500 million gourdes (≈$4.3M USD) to revamp infrastructure, including Jacmel’s airport, now poised to become an international gateway.
- Delegation: Nine Colombian ministers and 30 soldiers arrived earlier this week, signaling Petro’s commitment to bilateral cooperation.
- Local Impact: Culture Minister Patrick Delatour called the visit “a bridge to revitalizing Haiti’s cultural economy,” hinting at future tourism and trade partnerships.
Gang Violence Escalates: A Daily Battle for Survival
Haiti’s security crisis has reached a boiling point. This week, gangs launched brazen attacks on diplomatic convoys, underscoring their growing audacity:
- India’s Consulate Attack: Three vehicles en route to Port-au-Prince’s airport were ambushed Tuesday, injuring two drivers and the consul’s daughter.
- U.S. Embassy Ambush: Days earlier, a U.S. Embassy vehicle in Tabarre was targeted, killing one passenger and leaving two in critical condition. Survivors described “bullets raining from all directions.”
- Human Toll: Over 5,600 Haitians were killed in gang violence in 2024, with 1.2 million displaced. Gangs now control 80% of Port-au-Prince, per UN estimates.
Behind the Violence: Analysts link the surge to gang rivalries over territory and resources, exacerbated by political vacuums and arms trafficking from abroad.
UN Security Council Meeting: Seeking Solutions Amid Skepticism
Today, the UN Security Council holds an emergency session to address Haiti’s crisis. Key points on the agenda:
- Dominican Intervention: Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez will urge “targeted sanctions on gang financiers” and faster deployment of international security support.
- BINUH Review: The UN’s Integrated Office in Haiti faces scrutiny over slow progress in restoring governance and curbing violence.
- Humanitarian Aid: Only 35% of 2024’s $720M aid appeal has been funded, leaving millions without food, healthcare, or shelter.
Flickers of Hope: Healthcare, Education, and Electoral Progress
Amid the chaos, local resilience shines through:
- MSF’s Return to Turgeau: After suspending operations due to threats, Médecins Sans Frontières reopened the Turgeau Emergency Center this week. A nurse shared, “We’re back because our patients have nowhere else to go.”
- Education Milestones: The Nippes department reported a 69% baccalaureate pass rate—Haiti’s highest—with many students studying by candlelight due to frequent blackouts.
- Electoral Momentum: Over 4,800 candidates participated in recent electoral staff recruitment exams, a critical step toward long-awaited local elections.
Roots of the Crisis: A Legacy of Instability
To understand today’s headlines, we must confront Haiti’s entrenched challenges:
- Political Vacuum: Haiti has lacked a president or functioning parliament since 2023, leaving gangs to fill the power void.
- Economic Collapse: Inflation exceeds 50%, and 4.9 million Haitians face acute hunger.
- International Failures: Past foreign interventions, like the 2004-2017 UN mission, left legacies of corruption and sexual abuse scandals.
A Call for Nuanced Solutions
Haiti’s crisis cannot be reduced to headlines—it demands context, empathy, and action. While Petro’s visit and UN talks offer symbolic hope, sustainable change requires dismantling gang networks, restoring democratic institutions, and empowering grassroots leaders.
What You Can Do:
- Advocate: Pressure policymakers to prioritize Haiti in international agendas.
- Support: Donate to organizations like MSF or Haitian-led education initiatives.
- Amplify: Share stories of Haitian resilience, not just suffering.
