– Advertisement –
As of May 2025, Haiti is in a very serious crisis.
Violent gangs now control about 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and are spreading to central areas like Artibonite. Over a million people have had to leave their homes. Many are now without access to basic needs like food, water, and medical care.
To respond, the United States has officially labeled two major Haitian gangs—“Viv Ansanm” and “Gran Grif”—as terrorist groups. This allows the U.S. to punish anyone who helps these gangs by using sanctions and legal actions.
A special international mission, led by Kenya and approved by the United Nations, has started work in Haiti. This mission, called the Multinational Security Support (MSS), includes police from Kenya, Jamaica, Belize, the Bahamas, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
But the task is tough. The gangs are well-armed and deeply entrenched. The MSS team does not have enough equipment, and they struggle with poor logistics.
In early May, the United States officially called two of Haiti’s most dangerous gangs—“Viv Ansanm” and “Gran Grif”—international terrorist groups. This means the U.S. government can freeze their money, punish anyone who helps them, and try to stop them from getting weapons or support. It also shows that the U.S. now sees these gangs as a serious threat, not just to Haiti but to international peace and security.
General Godfrey Otunge, who leads the MSS force, says they need more support. He hopes that with better resources and new bases in gang-held areas, the mission can start making a real difference in three to six months.
Until then, the situation in Haiti remains dangerous. The people there urgently need international help, not just with security but also with food, shelter, and health care.
Sources: Sky News, Washington Post.
– Advertisement –