Crippling Instability in Haiti: The Rise of a Failed State

It seems that another failed state is about to be created. Now to say Haiti has had a rough existence since independence would be a gross understatement. Now it seems that after centuries of dictatorships, corruption, and political instability, the country is about to come to a violent head.

Violence Surges in Port-au-Prince

In recent months, there has been a surge in violence within the capital of Port-au-Prince, built upon a growing anti-government sentiment among the population. Numerous state institutions have already collapsed, there are already serious food shortages in the country, and it is reported that up to 90% of the capital is now under the control of gangs.

The Haitian National Police, already underfunded and understaffed, is currently on life support. Most of its members have either joined said gangs or abandoned their posts. It is said that only a few government buildings are still protected by the remaining officers. The rest have been overrun.

Government Failures and Corruption

This current crisis has come about due to the government’s misuse of loans granted under PetroCaribe, rising taxes on fuel, the failure of government institutions, and most notably, the rampant corruption of government officials and President Jovenel Moïse’s authoritarian rule.

It is believed that it’s only a matter of time before what is left of the government collapses, and it has been a source of great concern for regional governments. A failed Haitian state could cause a refugee crisis similar to what Europe experienced a few years ago. Not to mention that a failed state could be a haven for cartels who could use the chaos to set up operations in the country.