White-Collar Crime Statistics in Haiti: A Growing Concern Amidst Political Unrest
Port-au-Prince, Haiti - As gangs have been attacking the capital since February 29, Haiti has plunged into an unprecedented crisis, with devastating humanitarian consequences and direct political repercussions. The country’s prime minister, Ariel Henry, resigned on March 11, and the transitional presidential council is still not operational.
Deteriorating Security Situation
The current crisis is part of a worrying deterioration in Haiti’s security situation. According to the UN, Haiti’s homicide rate more than doubled in 2023 to 40.9 per 100,000 inhabitants. The gangs’ role in Henry’s ousting and levels of violence observed are alarming. Despite being proxies and political tools, criminal groups in Haiti remain autonomous, with some allegedly backed by political and economic interests.
Escalating Violence
Recent attacks have targeted strategic institutions such as:
- Two prisons
- A dozen police stations
- The international airport
- The main port terminal
Over 15,000 people have been displaced, exacerbating hunger and sanitation conditions.
Gang Ecosystem Evolution
Between mid-2023 and the February attacks, the gang ecosystem evolved significantly. The G9 alliance lost momentum, and a video posted on social media by gang leader ‘Izo’ on February 17 may seem premonitory, addressing Henry and warning that if he remained in power, it was not because of his leadership but due to the gangs’ indecision.
Strategy of Maximum Pressure
The gangs are pursuing a strategy of maximum pressure, consisting of attacks interspersed with lulls. This approach suggests relationships between gang leaders and their political bosses who could be setting fluid red lines without renouncing violence for political ends.
Lasting Peace Unlikely
However, it would be naive to think of a lasting peace between the gangs, as each group remains master of its turf. The financial autonomy of the gangs has increased through drug trafficking, extortion, and kidnapping, but this does not free them from political allegiances and negotiations.
Rise of Key Violent Brokers
The crisis allows for the rise or return of key violent brokers, who must appear reliable, indispensable, and powerful to establish themselves as a broker, future political ally, or remain in place as a ’legal bandit.’
New Competition and Elections
As Henry has been removed from power, the transition has signaled the start of a new competition with elections on the horizon. Port-au-Prince seems to be on two routes:
- The institutional track embodied by players rallying behind the transitional council
- The strategy of chaos
International Sanctions
The inability to make the presidential transitional council operational bears witness to conflicts running through the Haitian political arena, while each passing day consolidates the power of guns and politico-criminal brokers. International sanctions could play a crucial role in destabilizing links between the political and criminal worlds.
Urgent Need for Trusting Dialogue
The absence of a clear international strategy only exacerbates divisions in Haiti. The more the field is open to informal negotiations, opaque strategies, and contradictory messages, the stronger the influence of those who wield violent power. There is an urgent need for trusting dialogue among and between Haitian actors, including civil society, and the international community. Without this, it is likely that the strategy of chaos will continue to prevail.