In brief
Armed groups in Haiti, now labeled terrorists by the U.S., threaten to disrupt trade and humanitarian aid efforts, exacerbating an ongoing humanitarian crisis where gangs have significant control over the nation's economy.
The Trump administration designated a coalition of powerful armed gangs in Haiti as terrorists on Friday, a move that raises significant concerns about the worsening humanitarian crisis in the country. The gang alliance, known as Viv Ansanm, has evolved from a supposed protector of civilians into an entity that wages attacks against communities, state institutions, and local law enforcement.This designation grants the U.S. government broad authority to impose severe economic sanctions on the gang coalition and anyone engaging in business with them. Analysts are already warning that this could result in halting all trade with Haiti. Reports indicate that the gangs already control crucial distribution points across the country, including main ports and roads. Consequently, no goods can be transported in or out of Port-au-Prince without paying fees to the gangs.According to Jake Johnston, a senior research associate at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, the implications of the U.S. sanctions could be dire. He noted in a recent social media post that humanitarian access initiatives would likely be severely impacted. “You can’t enter a community to distribute aid without negotiating with the gangs,” he stated, emphasizing the precarious situation on the ground.As international observers focus on the challenges posed by these gangs, the humanitarian sector faces critical decisions in navigating the complexities of providing assistance in such a volatile environment. The new U.S. sanctions could further complicate efforts to access vulnerable populations already suffering from poverty, violence, and political instability.
