What in the World
How is gang violence affecting life in Haiti?
Jan 13, 2025
Nawal Al-Maghafi, a BBC investigations correspondent recently embedded with the Kenyan police in Haiti, discusses the overwhelming gang violence that plagues Port-au-Prince. She reveals that an astonishing 85% of the capital is under gang control, following the assassination of Haiti's president in 2021. The UN's response includes a new Multinational Security Support Mission, but its effectiveness is still in question. Personal accounts from young Haitian women illustrate how they navigate life under these dire circumstances and their hopes for a safer future.
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Quick takeaways
- Haiti's gang violence, exacerbated by political corruption and economic decline, deeply affects youth, leading many to seek gang membership for survival.
- Despite ongoing challenges, a growing resilience within local communities reflects a shift towards advocating for self-determined solutions and grassroots initiatives.
Deep dives
The Reality of Life in Gang-Controlled Haiti
A significant portion of Haiti's population, particularly the youth, faces the daily threat of violence due to the over 85% control of Port-au-Prince by gangs. Young Haitians express feelings of isolation as many of their friends have fled the country, leaving them to navigate a landscape filled with fear and uncertainty. With communications often disrupted by gang activity, even basic tasks such as attending school online become incredibly challenging. Despite the overwhelming violence, a sense of community emerges, as residents band together to create local initiatives that help counteract gang attacks and foster solidarity among those affected.
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