SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A recent report sheds light on the operations of gangs in Haiti, particularly as the nation approaches its first general elections in over a decade. Released on Wednesday, the 94-page document was compiled by UN-appointed experts who conducted field research in Haiti between October 2025 and July 2026.
The report outlines the emergence of “violent fractures” within the gang alliance known as Viv Ansanm, formed in 2023. This alliance has demonstrated its capacity for violence, launching attacks on crucial state infrastructure in 2024. Romain Le Cour, head of the Haiti Observatory at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, noted that the fragmentation of the alliance poses a renewed risk of violence, displacement, and sexual violence in previously stabilized areas.
Le Cour highlighted that with elections approaching, relationships among crime leaders and political and economic players are being reactivated. Each gang leader, he stated, is likely to pursue political deals independently, offering territory, voter access, and security in exchange for influence.
Despite two UN-backed missions aimed at controlling gang violence, the report asserts that gangs remain resilient. It underscores that without addressing the broader networks supporting these groups, efforts to target gang leaders will likely be ineffective. Ties between local authorities and gangs, it noted, are focused on consolidating control ahead of the upcoming elections.
Report singles out well-known politicians
The report also implicates specific political figures, including Alfrédo Junior Antoine, a former legislator from Kenscoff. He is accused of equipping youth groups for political purposes, participating in kidnappings, and sponsoring a deadly attack in Kenscoff in 2025 that resulted in over 100 fatalities. According to the report, Antoine provided resources to Viv Ansanm; he disputed these allegations, asserting his innocence in an email.
Another targeted individual is former Senator Nenel Cassy, accused of leading a criminal group in Miragoane and supporting armed factions to promote his political interests. Cassy, described as “armed and dangerous” in a warrant issued by Haitian National Police in 2025, denied all allegations, claiming he has never engaged with armed groups and suggesting the accusations are rooted in political persecution.
Concerns grow as elections near
The report indicates that the Artibonite Department, Haiti’s second-largest electoral district, has experienced unprecedented gang violence since March. Experts express concerns that political figures may exploit gang relationships to intimidate opponents and sway public support as elections approach.
Additionally, the report criticized delays in the implementation of UN sanctions against certain gang leaders, revealing that minimal funds have been frozen in connection to these individuals.
A handful of wins as election looms
Among the findings are allegations involving corrupt police officers accused of providing assistance to gangs. One officer reportedly helped a gang leader’s girlfriend and verified the financial statuses of potential kidnapping victims.
With elections on the horizon, the report raises alarms about potential spikes in sexual violence and the recruitment of children by gangs, who reportedly provide incentives for young recruits. Moreover, experts have noted the formation of predominantly female cells among certain gang factions.
As the election date approaches, many Haitians are increasingly relying on vigilante groups for protection, while authorities maintain fragile control over some areas; however, key roadways remain under gang dominance.
