Haiti

Map of Haiti

What is Happening in Haiti?

Background The ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in Haiti is multifaceted but rooted in a long-standing confluence of interests between the country’s largely corrupt ruling classes, on the one hand, and on the other, more powerful international partner states, financial institutions and aid organizations. Supported by the US, Jovenel Moïse came to power in a 2016 election wracked by irregularities and thereafter adopted an increasingly authoritarian stance, refusing to step down when his term ended in February 2021, and ruling by decree in defiance of judicial and constitutional authorities as well as widespread public opinion. Moïse was assassinated in July, igniting a power struggle among political elites, many of whom have long sponsored armed gangs. Gang kidnappings, sexual violence and killings have surged in 2020-21 amidst prevailing structural inequalities in Haitian society, weak state institutions and the erosion of legitimate public authority. Against the backdrop of a recent major earthquake and flash floods, mounting violence, poverty and hunger look set to continue.

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