Undoing Haiti’s Deadly Gang Alliance (Crisis Group)

The Viv Ansanm gang coalition has pushed the violence wracking Haiti to alarming levels. As a new foreign force takes shape, it is vital that plans be in place not just to overpower the criminal groups but also to persuade them to disband.

 
By The International Crisis Group, crisisgroup.org —
 
What’s new? A united front of Haiti’s most powerful gangs, Viv Ansanm, has extended its territorial reach, expanded its illicit rackets and pushed the country to a fresh peak of violence. As a new international force readies for deployment, gangs increasingly claim they are fighting to defend the poorest from predatory elites.

Why does it matter? With Haiti’s transitional government due to wind down in February 2026, gangs are intent on using their clout to place allies in the administration and gain a wide-ranging amnesty. Blessed by the UN, the new Gang Suppression Force could spur a surge in combat, possibly endangering civilian lives.

What should be done? Outside partners should provide the new force with the resources needed to regain territorial control and bring citizens respite. Once the balance of power shifts toward the state, officials should engage the gangs in talks about curbing violence, demobilising the illicit groups, and severing links between crime and Haitian elites.
 
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Source: The International Crisis Group (crisisgroup.org)