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Haiti’s Criminal Networks Thrive Amidst Political Instability

Introduction

The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse has triggered a wave of political instability in Haiti, allowing organized crime groups to flourish and profit from their activities. Gangs have become emboldened, taking on quasi-state roles and controlling electoral zones with the support of corrupt politicians.

Criminal Networks’ Activities

Criminal networks are responsible for a range of crimes, including:

• Aggravated assault
• Theft
• Human smuggling
• Using readily available firearms

These networks have expanded their operations in recent years, despite the government’s struggles to effectively control them.

Foreign Criminal Actors

Foreign criminal actors, primarily involved in cocaine trafficking and human smuggling, have traditionally kept a low profile. They take advantage of Haiti’s instability and economic woes, making it an unattractive location for transnational criminal groups.

Weak Governance Contributes to Criminality

• Haiti’s political turmoil has led to a breakdown in governance, with no elected government officials and slow preparations for upcoming elections.
• The country’s instability has created an environment conducive to criminal activity, as corrupt politicians and officials collude with organized crime groups.
• The Haitian National Police (HNP) is understaffed and under-equipped, struggling to effectively patrol the country’s porous borders and combat crime. Corruption within the HNP has also contributed to its ineffectiveness.

Economic Woes Compound Crisis

• Haiti’s economy is in shambles, with over 50% of the population living on less than $2 per day.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the economic situation, leading to a contraction in economic activity and fiscal imbalances.
• The country’s lack of effective controls and weak judiciary have made it an attractive location for money laundering and other illicit financial flows. Haiti’s Financial Intelligence Unit has been criticized for being under executive control, undermining its independence and effectiveness.

Civil Society Struggles to Provide Support

• NGOs have stepped in to provide vital services, including:
  • Victim and witness protection programs
  • Due to the government’s inability to do so.
• However, these efforts are often hampered by a lack of resources and instability.
• Journalists face significant challenges in Haiti, including:
  • Lack of funding
  • Institutional support
  • Access to information. Radio stations remain a popular medium, but investigative journalists have been targeted by armed gangs.

Conclusion

As Haiti struggles to recover from the political crisis and economic woes, it is clear that addressing organized crime and corruption will be crucial to stabilizing the country. However, with limited resources and a lack of effective governance, the future looks uncertain for this troubled nation.