Haiti’s government is betting on a modest war chest to push back against powerful gangs—but critics warn it’s not nearly enough to meet the moment.
At a Glance
- Haiti approves $275K “War Budget” amid unrest
- 40% allocated to police and military operations
- Border with DR gets 20% to prevent spillover
- Social Services receive 16% for Relief and Aid
Haiti’s government is betting on a modest war chest to push back against powerful gangs—but critics warn it’s not nearly enough to meet the moment.
Haiti’s Bold Move Against Gang Violence
Amid unprecedented gang control, Haiti’s transitional authorities have greenlit a “war budget” of just $275,000—an attempt to stabilize the nation as armed groups tighten their grip. According to the Associated Press, 40% of that budget is directed to bolstering the national police and armed forces. Officials hope this cash infusion will allow security forces to reclaim gang-held areas, particularly in central Haiti, where chaos has displaced residents and shuttered police stations.
The capital Port-au-Prince is now estimated to be 85% gang-controlled, and towns like Mirebalais and Saut-d’Eau have fallen, with police outposts torched and mass prison breaks executed. AP News confirmed that 533 inmates escaped after gangs set fire to police stations and seized control of the Mirebalais prison in late March, contributing to at least 60 deaths.
Watch AP’s coverage of the situation at “Haiti’s Crisis Deepens as Gangs Expand Control”.
Border Security and Social Investments
Another 20% of the budget is aimed at reinforcing the country’s vulnerable border with the Dominican Republic. Haitian authorities fear further infiltration by armed groups and want to create a barrier to restrict gang movement. However, as highlighted by Reuters, critics question whether this limited funding can truly secure a border facing such volatile threats.
Beyond policing and border control, 16% of the budget is reserved for social infrastructure. The government plans to use these funds for healthcare, education, and humanitarian efforts—a critical step in addressing the root causes of gang recruitment. As detailed by ABC News, these efforts are part of a longer-term attempt to offer alternatives to crime in Haiti’s most vulnerable communities.
Despite this multi-pronged approach, the government faces mounting scrutiny for what many see as too little, too late.
Challenges and Criticism
While the international community is nominally engaged—particularly via a United Nations-backed mission involving Kenyan police—efforts have stalled due to limited resources and unclear logistics. The AP reports that even as Kenya prepares to send personnel, the scope of violence has far outpaced available support.
The human cost continues to climb. Between January and March 27 of this year alone, over 1,500 Haitians were killed in gang-related violence, with more than 1 million displaced from their homes, according to the Associated Press.
Civil society groups have condemned the Haitian government’s handling of the crisis. One major human rights organization told reporters, “By ignoring the central region’s collapse, the transitional authorities show they have no real plan to restore citizens’ rights and public safety.” That quote followed reports of towns left exposed after security forces were redeployed without coordination.
These critics argue that previous warnings from local leaders and NGOs were ignored, leading to devastating consequences. Now, with limited money and overwhelming instability, the question remains whether Haiti’s war budget is a genuine turning point—or just a gesture too small to change course.
