The United States has made a strong move by designating two Haitian gangs, the Viv Ansanm coalition and Gran Grif, as “foreign terrorist organizations.” This announcement significantly increases the U.S. response to the increasingly dire security climate in Haiti. Gang violence has more than doubled since last year, sending more than one million Haitians fleeing for their lives. Nearly 60 million people—or nearly half the country—are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity. The designation specifically aims at hurting the groups’ capacity to make an impact. In the wake of President Jovenel Moise’s assassination in 2021, they have come to dominate the country’s commerce and security.
The increasing strength of gangs across Haiti has set off sirens for international observers. A senior official of the United Nations has said Haiti is nearing a “point of no return.” The violence and impunity that plague the country are bringing it to the edge. The UN estimates that approximately 5.7 million residents—almost half of the nation—are experiencing food insecurity, with many facing hunger amid rampant gang control. The Viv Ansanm coalition now supposedly governs 85 percent of Port-au-Prince. Their dominance limits crucial humanitarian and commercial supplies from getting in as well as commercial flights from coming in on time.
The US State Department’s designation of these gangs as terrorist organizations has serious consequences. Specifically, this law renders any member of these groups ineligible to come to the United States. It would criminalize the receipt of financial transactions with Haiti, raising significant concerns for humanitarian aid operations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “Haitian gangs, including the Viv Ansanm coalition and Gran Grif, are the primary source of instability and violence in Haiti. They pose a direct threat to US national security interests in our region.
Around 520,694 Haitians are currently eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). If the US Department of Homeland Security proceeds with its plans to end the TPS program for Haitians by August, these people will face even worse. This possible move only exacerbates concerns that humanitarian initiatives will be impacted by this newly issued terrorist designation.
The violence and instability have created millions of shuttered businesses and displaced thousands of working families throughout the country. An unnamed source highlighted the gangs’ overwhelming influence over commerce, stating, “The gangs exercise tremendous control over the commerce of the country.” This claim highlights the grim reality of what’s going on as businesses find it increasingly impossible to continue working under the threat of violence.
In the global response to this crisis, Kenya has led by example. They are leading a UN-backed international security mission to help reestablish local police forces’ capacity to deal with the gangs. Yet as The Resident writes, experts are sounding alarm bells that any international intervention could have grave consequences. Later, Jake Johnston noted that this new designation could serve as a type of de facto embargo. This amendment would make any business transactional with Haiti virtually impossible.
“This may be the last best chance,” said one of those observers who has been closely following the process. “Doing any kind of business with Haiti or in Haiti is going to carry much greater risk.” These risks have dire consequences that extend beyond economic concerns alone. They present acute humanitarian difficulties for a nation that is already experiencing high levels of displacement and conflict.
