UN reports surge in violence as gangs tighten control in Haiti

The humanitarian crisis in Haiti deepened between July and September, with over 1,740 people reported killed or injured, marking a nearly 30% rise from the previous trimester, according to new data released by U.N. officials.

The increase in violence comes as gangs extend their control over 85% of Port-au-Prince, up from 80%, posing significant challenges for the U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police, which has been hampered by insufficient funding and resources. This has led to growing calls for a more robust U.N. peacekeeping operation. The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) highlighted the alarming developments, warning that in the absence of state authority, gangs have begun to take on roles typically held by police and judicial officials, imposing their own rules on residents.

The report noted that out of the 1,223 reported killings in the third trimester, most were attributed to gang violence. However, at least 106 extrajudicial killings were carried out by law enforcement, including six children as young as 10, accused of collaborating with gang members. According to BINUH, 96 of these deaths were attributed to police officers, while 10 were linked to Jean Ernest Muscadin, public prosecutor of Miragoâne. Since 2022, Muscadin is alleged to have been responsible for at least 36 killings of suspected gang members or individuals accused of common crimes.