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Haiti has declared a comprehensive war against armed gangs, as violence in 2024 claimed the lives of more than 5,000 people. The announcement, made by Leslie Voltaire, President of the Presidential Transition Council (CPT), underscores the government’s determination to confront gang activity head-on and restore stability to the embattled nation.
Speaking on January 1, 2025, during a ceremony marking Haiti’s 221st anniversary of independence, Voltaire emphasized the scale of the crisis. “We are in a war,” he declared. “Gangs have declared war on the Haitian people, and we are responding with an unrelenting war against them.”
The declaration comes amid an escalating humanitarian and security crisis. Armed gangs have tightened their grip on large swaths of the country, perpetrating acts of violence that include murder, rape, kidnappings, and even organ trafficking.
Voltaire described the current situation as one where entire communities are held hostage. “The overwhelming majority of our population dreams of reclaiming their neighborhoods and regions, which countless families have been forced to flee,” he said.
Children and youth have borne the brunt of this violence, facing disrupted lives and a lack of access to education and basic services. The violence has also destabilized critical infrastructure, with gangs targeting schools, medical facilities, and key transportation routes.
The government’s strategy, as outlined by Voltaire, includes mobilizing all sectors of society and bolstering law enforcement efforts. Key elements of this strategy include:
- Increased Police Support: Strengthening collaboration between the Haitian National Police and community groups to reclaim gang-controlled areas.
- International Cooperation: Seeking support from neighboring countries and the United Nations to block the flow of illegal arms and develop effective strategies against transnational criminal organizations.
- Restoring Infrastructure: Reopening roads, securing ports, and ensuring free movement of goods and people across the country.
Voltaire also revealed plans for stricter firearm control and an ongoing push to secure international assistance, including from Kenya-led multinational forces currently operating in Haiti.
A central goal of the campaign is to create conditions for free and fair elections by the end of 2025. Voltaire stressed that elections are “inevitable” for Haiti to transition toward stability and democracy. “We must secure the country to pave the way for elections that reflect the will of the people,” he affirmed.
The CPT has called for widespread collaboration, urging all sectors of society to contribute ideas and support law enforcement. The recently established National Security Council and the Superior Council of the National Police will lead the effort to dismantle gangs and restore order.
Despite the bold declarations, Haiti faces significant obstacles. Gangs continue to wield considerable power, and efforts to combat them are hampered by limited resources and entrenched corruption. Critics argue that past initiatives to address insecurity have lacked follow-through and coordination.
Voltaire acknowledged these challenges but remained resolute. “In this war, every Haitian has a role to play. Together, we will dismantle these criminal networks and reclaim our country,” he said.
As Haiti begins 2025, the stakes could not be higher. With the government promising tangible action and a clear path forward, the year marks a critical juncture for a nation long plagued by instability. The people of Haiti now watch closely, hoping that the promises of renewed security and opportunity will finally materialize.
