Haiti was the first nation to rise from slavery and declare independence – a symbol of freedom and resilience. Today, that same country is fractured, terrorized by gangs, and plagued by sexual violence. Its institutions have collapsed, millions are displaced, and yet the headlines barely register.
A Nation in Free Fall
Haiti is facing a full-blown humanitarian crisis. Five years after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, the country has no elected leader, no functioning parliament, and institutions that once held promise are now effectively collapsed. The void left by the state has been filled by gangs, many tied to political and business elites, whose control over the country’s capital, Port-au-Prince and much of the countryside is absolute. Extortion, kidnappings and sexual violence are rampant. Key infrastructure was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 2010 and remains in ruins, leaving hospitals, schools, and roads in critical disrepair.
Gangs, Drones and a Culture of Impunity
This violence and instability is only increasing. Estimates say gangs now control 80-85% of the country’s capital. They dominate many of the roads, imposing taxes on travellers and increasing their wealth and influence.
More recently, the crisis has taken on new dimensions with the rise of drones as instruments of impunity. Supplied by private actors to an already weakened Haitian police, these weapons are being used to target ‘gang members’ from the air – with civilians frequently caught in the crossfire. On 23rd September 2025 13 people, including eight children were killed in a drone attack on a birthday party where an alleged gang leader as distributing gifts. This attack raises urgent questions of accountability.
Ignored and Underfunded
This lack of accountability feeds into a broader argument that the situation in Haiti has been largely overlooked and underfunded. On the one hand, journalists face enormous danger in reporting given the violence and the logistical challenges of entering and leaving the country. Foreign media have largely stayed away due to security risks, creating a serious gap in international reporting. On the other hand, the international community has failed to provide sustained attention or adequate funding to address the crisis. Humanitarian aid is sporadic, reconstruction efforts remain under-resourced, and political interventions are piecemeal or delayed. This combination – limited reporting and insufficient international engagement – allows the violence, poverty and institutional collapse to continue largely out of sight and out of mind, reinforcing the sense that Haiti is a problem no one can – or will – solve.
International Efforts and Remaining Challenges
Yet there is hope. International actors are debating how, and if, to intervene. In 2024, a Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) was launched in Haiti, led by Kenya, to assist the Haitian government in restoring law and order maid escalating gang violence. Additionally, the US and Panama have proposed transitioning the MSS into a larger Gang Suppression Force to enhance resources and effectiveness.
Despite these efforts, significant challenges remain. A 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan for Haiti was less than 10% funded as of August 2025, severely limiting the delivery of essential services. Humanitarian agencies, including the UN, UNICEF, and the World Food Programme, continue to provide aid where possible – distributing food, shelter and medical care – but the need far outstrips resources.
Why We Cannot Look Away
We cannot look away. The story of Haiti is not just one of despair but of resilience and courage. Reporting, accountability, and sustained international attention are essential. If the world continues to treat Haiti as a distant problem, the consequences — human, political, and moral — will only deepen.
THE SECOND THOUGHT 
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