Port-au-Prince, Haiti – Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the Caribbean, often captures global attention only when struck by natural disasters. But today, the crisis unfolding is entirely man-made. Armed gangs have seized control of much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, leaving the outnumbered and outgunned police force struggling to maintain order. With government authority all but collapsed, Haitians are trapped in a daily fight for survival, while cuts to U.S. aid have only deepened the humanitarian catastrophe.

A Nation Under Siege

Haiti’s descent into chaos has been years in the making, fueled by political instability, corruption, and foreign interference. Now, the streets of Port-au-Prince have become battlegrounds, with gangs enforcing their own brutal rule. Reports of kidnappings, sexual violence, and indiscriminate killings have surged, forcing many to flee their homes. Hospitals are overwhelmed, food and water supplies are dwindling, and basic services have broken down.

The Haitian National Police, underfunded and underequipped, are no match for the heavily armed criminal networks. Officers have been killed in large numbers, and morale is at an all-time low. Meanwhile, the government, led by Prime Minister Ariel Henry—who took power after the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse—has failed to restore order, further eroding public trust.

U.S. Aid Cuts Worsen Suffering

Historically, Haiti has relied heavily on foreign aid, particularly from the United States. However, recent cuts in U.S. assistance have left the country even more vulnerable. Humanitarian organizations warn that without immediate intervention, famine and disease could spiral out of control.

“The situation is dire,” said Marie Dupont, a local aid worker. “People are starving, children are dying from preventable illnesses, and there is no safe place left. The world cannot keep looking away.”

Calls for International Action

Regional bodies like the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the African Union (AU) have expressed concern, but concrete action remains elusive. Some Haitians are demanding an international peacekeeping force, while others fear foreign intervention could repeat past mistakes, such as the controversial UN stabilization mission (MINUSTAH), which was marred by allegations of abuse and a deadly cholera outbreak.

As the crisis deepens, Haitians are left with few options. Many risk dangerous sea voyages in search of refuge, while those who remain face an uncertain future. Without urgent political and humanitarian solutions, Haiti’s nightmare may only worsen.