Gangs have gained near-total control of Port-au-Prince, with 90% of the capital under their influence. Southern Haiti has seen an increase in gang violence and criminal groups are exploiting key land routes for attacks. The state's authority is diminishing as gangs establish parallel structures to govern in the absence of public services, causing legal commerce to collapse and prices for essential goods to surge. U.N. officials warn that without international intervention, Haiti risks complete state collapse, particularly concerning Port-au-Prince's governance.
"Southern Haiti, which until recently was insulated from the violence, has seen a sharp increase in gang-related incidents," she said. "And in the east, criminal groups are exploiting land routes, including key crossings like Belladere and Malpasse, where attacks against police and customs officials have been reported."
Waly said the state's authority to govern is rapidly shrinking as gang control expands with cascading effects. Criminal groups are stepping into the vacuum left by the absence or limited delivery of public services and are establishing 'parallel governance structures,' and gang control of major trade routes has paralyzed legal commerce, leading to soaring prices for cooking fuel and rice, Haiti's staple food, she said.
U.N. Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca told the council 'the ongoing gang encirclement of Port-au-Prince' and their strengthened foothold in the capital and beyond is 'pushing the situation closer to the brink.'
'Without increased action by the international community, the total collapse of state presence in the capital could become a very real scenario,' he warned.
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