Understanding sociopolitical instability in Haiti

Content warning: This article discusses violence and death.

The history of Haiti’s sociopolitical climate has been marred with instances of instability, ultimately accumulating into an acute security crisis.

Catalyzed by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, the state’s currently experiencing a surge in crime and violence.

Background

Decades of authoritarian rule in Haiti consisted of multiple human rights abuses, coups, and corruption. The reign of the Duvalier dictatorship — led by François and later Jean-Claude Duvalier — lasted from 1957 to 1986. After Jean-Claude Duvalier fled the country, Haiti made attempts at democratic reform. This proved unsuccessful with Haiti’s first democratically elected leader being ousted in a military coup.

In 2004, the United Nations (UN) sent support initiatives — such as the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) — as part of a peacekeeping operation. However, the Haitian public later accused MINUSTAH of abusing locals and introducing cholera to the nation.

Haiti’s instability has been further exacerbated by the country’s susceptibility to natural disasters. 2016’s Hurricane Matthew and a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in 2021, months after Moïse’s death, worsened Haiti’s security crisis and need for aid.

Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world, with food insecurity, disease, and displacement spreading at alarming rates throughout the island.

Gangs have assumed de-facto authority in many localities, with state organs either understaffed or ill-equipped. As a result, vigilante groups are increasingly killing suspected gang members and some fear that they may eventually threaten civilians.

Foreign policy approaches

Following the 2021 earthquake, the United States provided 32 million dollars to Haiti for humanitarian assistance. In June 2023, the U.S. Agency for International Development provided approximately 54 million dollars to Haiti for humanitarian aid as a result of the ongoing security crisis.

In October 2023, the UN Security Council authorized a year-long multinational mission led by the Kenyan military to help combat rising gang violence. To support the force, the United States pledged 100 million dollars and called on other countries to pledge similar amounts.