SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The arrival of Kenyan police in Haiti earlier this year was part of a U.N.-backed initiative aimed at addressing the rampant gang violence plaguing the nation. The situation had turned dire, with coordinated gang assaults on crucial infrastructure such as prisons, police stations, and the airport leading to significant turmoil, including the resignation of the prime minister. As the international policing contingent touched down, there was a glimmer of hope for stabilization in the beleaguered country.

However, the situation has only worsened since the deployment of foreign forces. The main international airport was forced to close for the second time this year after armed gangs fired upon commercial flights, injuring a flight attendant in mid-November. These violent groups are now targeting neighborhoods previously considered safe, seeking control over the capital amidst ongoing political strife, which has included the recent ousting of the prime minister.

With a new prime minister now at the helm, many Haitians are left questioning how the nation descended into such chaos. The historical context is grim, marked by a legacy of violent coups, oppressive regimes, and gangs supported by the nation’s elite. Experts concur that the current crisis has reached unprecedented levels of severity. “The overall situation is collapsing,” remarked a political analyst specializing in Haitian affairs, voicing significant concerns regarding the future.

Compounding the crisis, the government remains weak, while the U.N. mission designed to back Haiti’s poorly equipped police force is limited by insufficient funding and personnel. Gangs currently exert control over approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince. In a shocking development, Doctors Without Borders announced the suspension of critical medical services in the capital, citing threats against its staff and patients. For the first time in over three decades of operation in Haiti, the organization found itself unable to treat new patients, leading to calls for urgent assistance.

Despite attempts to bolster the Kenyan-led mission, reports suggest that fewer than 400 forces are currently deployed — a fraction of the 2,500 required. In the wake of a violent gang attack in which residents joined police to fend off assailants, authorities expressed an intention to enhance security along key routes in the capital. However, the lack of effective governance raises concerns, as evidenced by the assault on an affluent area that demonstrated the absence of real authority.

As gang-related violence persists, the main international airport’s closure has isolated Port-au-Prince, severely limiting the distribution of vital aid. An estimated 6,000 individuals are facing starvation, with nearly half of the population contending with dire food shortages. Additionally, recent violence has displaced over 700,000 individuals, exacerbating an already critical humanitarian crisis.

Aid organizations are struggling to reach the most vulnerable populations due to escalating gang dominance and ongoing conflict. “The situation is increasingly dire,” noted a local director from a prominent humanitarian organization. As neighborhoods once deemed safe fall under threat, fear and desperation continue to mount.

Amidst rising instability, violence surged as multiple fatalities were reported in a single week, with thousands fleeing their homes due to unrest. Gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, known for his fierce tactics, has insisted that the violent coalition he leads will continue assaults unless a transitional council resigns, further complicating the path toward stability.

International discussions regarding a U.N. peacekeeping mission have gained momentum, but only a small contingent of Kenyan forces has arrived thus far. The escalating violence highlights the urgent need for a robust response from the global community, yet opposition from major powers like Russia and China has left prospective solutions in limbo.

Experts emphasize that it is critical for the political elite in Haiti to act decisively. Although there is hope for more Kenyan forces to arrive soon, the long-term outlook remains bleak without effective governance. The transitional council, marred by corruption allegations and inconsistent leadership, risks further stagnation.

With no apparent short-term fix in sight, some analysts propose that the government might need to engage in dialogue with the gangs, a concept currently viewed as unacceptable. “But what alternatives are left if conditions continue to deteriorate?” raised one expert, suggesting that the time may come when negotiations could be seen as the only viable path forward.