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Port-au-Prince has been listed among the world’s most violent cities, according to the latest ranking by the Citizen Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice. The report, released this week, evaluates homicide rates in cities with over 300,000 residents that are not in active war zones.
Haiti’s capital recorded a homicide rate of 139.31 per 100,000 inhabitants, placing it among the top-ranked cities in the 2024 annual study. The report also noted that violence in the region has escalated due to ongoing gang activity, political instability, and weakened state control.
The 2023 ranking highlights that Mexico remains the country with the most violent cities, occupying seven of the top ten spots. Colima, a small city on Mexico’s Pacific coast, topped the list with a rate of 140.32 homicides per 100,000 residents, maintaining its position as the most violent city for the second consecutive year.
Other countries significantly affected by violence include Ecuador and South Africa. Guayaquil, in Ecuador, and Nelson Mandela Bay, in South Africa, were also among the ten most violent cities globally.
The report suggests that these countries face a common challenge—an increasing loss of state control, allowing criminal groups to exert authority over territories. This phenomenon, described as a “parallel power structure,” has fueled high levels of violence in cities struggling with organized crime.
Haiti’s worsening security situation has drawn international attention. The country has seen a surge in gang-related violence, with armed groups controlling nearly 80% of Port-au-Prince. Widespread kidnappings, extortion, and attacks on civilians have become daily occurrences, leaving many residents living in fear.
Efforts to restore order, including the planned deployment of a Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission led by Kenya, have yet to materialize fully. Meanwhile, local law enforcement remains outgunned and under-resourced.
The Citizen Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice has urged governments in affected countries to adopt more effective security measures. In Mexico, where homicides have declined slightly but remain at alarming levels, the organization criticized current policies and called for stronger actions against criminal organizations.
In Haiti, the lack of a functioning government and deteriorating security conditions pose major challenges. Calls for international support and intervention continue, but concrete solutions remain elusive.
With elections approaching in several Latin American countries, including Haiti, the report also emphasizes the need for political candidates to address security concerns and present viable strategies for reducing violence.
