A new report from experts appointed by the U.N. Secretary General highlights the deep intertwining of gangs and political figures in Haiti as the country approaches its first general elections in over a decade. The 94-page document, presented on Wednesday, outlines operations of gangs, their connections to political and economic entities, and rising violence, especially within the Artibonite Department.
The experts conducted their investigation from October 2025 to July 2026, meeting with various sources in Haiti to gather corroborated insights. They found evidence of increasing fragmentation within the gang coalition known as Viv Ansanm, which has been involved in attacks on state infrastructure since its formation in 2023. This disunity among gang leaders poses a risk of heightened violence and instability for civilians.
Romain Le Cour, head of the Haiti Observatory at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, expressed concern that as elections draw closer, criminal relationships with political figures are being revived. “Each leader will seek political and electoral arrangements on its own terms, based on territory, access to voters, and post-election rewards,” Le Cour noted.
The report underscores the resilience of these gangs, which continue to thrive with support from political and economic actors. It warns that targeting individual gang leaders without addressing the broader support networks will likely be ineffective. Allegations of police corruption and the ongoing flow of illegal weapons further complicate efforts to control gang violence.
Political Figures Directly Implicated
The report specifically names two politicians: Alfrédo Junior Antoine, a former legislator, and Nenel Cassy, a former senator. Antoine is accused of arming youth groups for political aims and was linked to a 2025 attack in Kenscoff that resulted in over 100 deaths and numerous rapes. He has denied these allegations.
Cassy is accused of leading a criminal group in Miragoane and using armed individuals for his political agenda. Following a warrant issued by Haitian National Police, he claimed the allegations are part of political persecution, maintaining he has no ties to armed groups.
The conditions noted in the report have escalated in the Artibonite Department, where a surge in coordinated gang violence has been observed since March. The report suggests that past tactics used by former politicians may resurface as a means to mobilize support and intimidate opponents before the elections.
Rising Violence and Vulnerability
Concerns about gang violence are intensifying as the elections approach. The report highlighted increasing incidents of sexual violence and the recruitment of children by gangs, who are reportedly incentivized with money and gifts. Gangs are targeting vulnerable populations, while Haitians increasingly turn to vigilante groups for protection, though this remains precarious.
The authors reported that police have been implicated in assisting gangs with weapons and intelligence as traffickers face low barriers for smuggling arms into the country. Despite some areas seeing regained control by authorities, the situation remains fragile.
The report provides a bleak picture of the ongoing crisis in Haiti as the nation gears up for elections, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to address the nexus of crime and politics.
