Haiti’s presidential and legislative elections, originally scheduled for December 13, have been postponed indefinitely, as the United Nations warned against setting new dates without a thorough assessment of the situation. The UN’s top official in the country, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, expressed concerns about the feasibility of conducting elections amid the ongoing violence and instability.
Rising Violence and Gang Activity
Gang-related violence has significantly escalated recently, with reports indicating that 1,123 Haitians were killed and 440 injured from July to early October. During July and August alone, gang members reportedly raped 689 women and girls, highlighting the alarming levels of sexual violence.
The UN report noted that while security forces are intensifying operations against gangs, those armed groups are adapting their tactics. “What is particularly worrying is the gangs’ ability to adapt their tactics as security operations intensify,” Massieu stated. Gang members have increased their use of hostage-taking and intimidation to maintain control and challenge state authority, pushing violence into rural areas.
Notable incidents include an attack from August 23 to 24 in Kenscoff, where at least 47 people were killed, 22 were injured, and 52 were taken hostage. Although 13 hostages were later freed through local initiatives supported by the UN, the incident illustrates the growing threat gangs pose to citizens.
Additionally, in the West and Artibonite regions, 241 individuals were killed for allegedly resisting gang activities. This uptick in violence extends beyond urban centers, targeting farmland, homes, and public infrastructure.
The operations conducted by security forces have also contributed to fatalities; they account for 52 percent of the casualties reported since July, including 148 civilians not linked to gangs.
Deployment of Gang Suppression Force
The UN-backed Gang Suppression Force, with logistical support from the Security Council, is still in the process of fully deploying its members. As of October 12, there were 1,563 personnel deployed, far short of the 5,550 authorized. The force has established a base in the Artibonite region, extending its reach beyond the capital of Port-au-Prince.
On October 15, an armored vehicle transporting Salvadoran soldiers from the force was attacked in Croix-des-Bouquets, resulting in four soldiers reported missing.
Political Uncertainty and Humanitarian Crisis
Massieu emphasized that merely retaking territory will not ensure long-lasting stability in Haiti. He called for a permanent restoration of state presence and the development of disarmament and reintegration programs, particularly for children involved with gangs. The current instability also hampers efforts to reinstate democratic governance.
Despite the challenges, preparations for elections are ongoing. More than 35 political parties and approximately 3,500 candidates have registered. As of October 5, only 759,257 potential voters were registered from an estimated electorate of 6.5 million, with insecurity and mass displacement complicating the electoral process.
Massieu warned that setting new election dates without a realistic assessment could undermine public confidence in Haitian institutions.
The country also faces a dire humanitarian crisis, with nearly 1.5 million people displaced, including over 740,000 children. The economy is projected to contract for the seventh consecutive year, and the UN’s humanitarian plan remains only about half funded, leaving Haiti in a precarious situation as it strives to restore security and return to democratic governance.
