Haiti: Dismantling Criminal Coalitions, an Imperative for National Stability

In a statement published on December 15, 2025, the International Crisis Group (ICG) paints an alarming picture of the security situation in Haiti, while proposing concrete ways to dismantle the powerful criminal coalitions that control a large part of the territory, particularly in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince.

Since the end of 2023 and even more so at the beginning of 2024, armed gangs, regrouped into structured coalitions, have intensified their attacks against state institutions, strategic infrastructure, and civilian populations. This dynamic has contributed to the progressive collapse of state authority, culminating in the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. According to the ICG, these criminal groups have taken advantage of the political and institutional vacuum to expand their control, isolate the country, and establish a climate of terror marked by massacres, kidnappings, and massive population displacements.

The report highlights that, since 2022, gang-related violence has claimed the lives of over 16,000 people. Beyond human losses, gangs have diversified their criminal activities, ranging from arms and drug trafficking to systematic extortion of businesses and citizens, exacerbating an already deep humanitarian crisis. The ICG also notes the existence of persistent links between certain armed groups and political and economic elites, a legacy of old practices where armed actors were instrumentalized to serve power interests.

Faced with this situation, the International Crisis Group believes that purely security-based responses are insufficient if they are not accompanied by a clear and coherent political strategy.

The deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission, led by Kenya and authorized by the United Nations Security Council, constitutes an important step. However, despite the mobilization of over 5,500 police officers and soldiers, the mission still suffers from limited resources, operational delays, and an extremely hostile environment.

The statement emphasizes the need for Haitian authorities to regain political initiative. This involves strengthening coordination between national and international forces, a profound reform of security governance, and the establishment of a National Security Council capable of developing a comprehensive strategy against gangs. The ICG also recommends investing in justice, particularly through the development of mechanisms to encourage gang members to lay down their arms, while ensuring that the main criminal leaders are held accountable for their actions before the law.

Furthermore, the report warns against any improvised negotiations with gangs, which could legitimize their power and further weaken the state. While channels for dialogue may be considered for humanitarian or demobilization purposes, these must be part of a strict, transparent framework overseen by legitimate authorities.