Haiti: Explaining the Current Political and Security Crises
1. Introduction: Overview
Haiti is in the midst of an unprecedented political and humanitarian crisis. The United Nations Security Council’s latest reports (2024) emphasize the urgent need for security measures and political stabilization in the country. Armed groups now control vast areas of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and frequent clashes have severely disrupted key infrastructure and daily life. This instability has resulted in nearly 700,000 internally displaced people and limited access to essential services, compounding an already critical humanitarian situation.
To address this crisis, the United Nations has supported Haiti’s Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM), which aims to restore security and create conditions for democratic elections. The mission, led by Kenya, which now has $96 million in pledges—including a recent 10 million euro contribution from Germany—continues to face funding and operational challenges, even as it plays a vital role in countering gang violence and stabilizing the country.
2. The Dismissal of Prime Minister Gary Conille
In a significant political shift, Haiti’s transitional government recently dismissed Prime Minister Gary Conille, replacing him with Alix Didier Fils-Aimé on November 12, 2024. This decision, made by the Presidential Transitional Council, has stirred controversy over its legality and impartiality. Fils-Aimé has already begun consultations with council members regarding the formation of a new government. While some ministers from Conille’s administration are expected to remain, key positions will be filled by new appointees to align with the council's transitional goals.
This shift has not been without controversy. Critics, including André Michel—a key figure in the December 21 transition agreement—argue that Fils-Aimé’s appointment conflicts with commitments made in the Jamaica Consensus and other foundational agreements, casting doubt on the neutrality of the process. Conille, however, has publicly expressed his support for the transition, wishing Fils-Aimé success and emphasizing the need for unity and solidarity during this crucial period for Haiti.
3.Growing Security Threats
Security concerns in Haiti have reached new heights, impacting critical infrastructure such as transportation hubs. Toussaint Louverture International Airport has been forced to close multiple times this year due to gang violence, with the most recent suspension taking place on November 12, 2024. This closure marks the second time in 2024 that the airport has been shut down following attacks by armed groups. These groups, who previously targeted the airport during efforts to destabilize the government under former Prime Minister Ariel Henry, have disrupted not only local but also international travel. Earlier in the year, the airport reopened after a two-and-a-half-month closure, only to face renewed threats when gunfire struck several commercial planes attempting to land.
On November 11, just a day before this latest airport closure, Godfrey Otunge, the Kenyan Force Commander of the MMSS, announced the start of the Decisive Operations Phase—a targeted escalation to counter gang influence in Port-au-Prince and surrounding regions. However, this announcement was met with immediate opposition from gang leaders. Jimmy Cherizier, also known as “Barbecue” and leader of the gang coalition “Vivre Ensemble,” released a video on November 10 warning civilians to avoid the streets, signalling an impending resurgence in violence. Another powerful gang leader, Jeff Gwo Lwa, who controls the Canaan area north of Port-au-Prince, also advised residents to stay indoors to avoid risks during anticipated clashes.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has since suspended all flights between the U.S. and Haiti for 30 days, while embassies from the United States, France, and Mexico have temporarily closed their doors, citing concerns for public and staff safety. The repeated airport closures and embassy shutdowns highlight the extensive control gangs exert over critical infrastructure, complicating efforts to restore stability and isolating Haiti further from international aid and assistance.
4. Implications of Political and Security Instability
The combined impact of political turmoil and escalating security challenges will continue to have severe humanitarian and economic consequences in Haiti. Political instability, marked by frequent changes in leadership and questions over the impartiality of appointments will delay essential government functions, leaving critical services underfunded and insufficient to meet public needs. The repeated suspension of flights will also disrupt the delivery of goods and humanitarian aid, placing countless Haitians in a vulnerable position with limited access to basic supplies.
As violence and political uncertainty continue to grow, Haiti’s socio-economic conditions are expected to worsen, with increased poverty, food insecurity, reduced investment and disruption of economic activities. Haiti is already suffering from a severe economic decline, with six consecutive years of shrinking GDP, including a 4.2% contraction in 2024. In addition, high inflation (29.3%) weakens household purchasing power, making everyday goods unaffordable for many Haitians. These ongoing issues not only deepen the crisis within Haiti but also affect neighbouring countries like the Dominican Republic as more Haitians seek refuge abroad. Without a unified political approach and strengthened international security support, Haiti risks facing an even more severe humanitarian disaster.