The exacerbation of the Haiti crisis, characterized by rampant gang activity and a beleaguered security apparatus, is significantly fueled by a substantial influx of illegal firearms from the United States, perpetuating a longstanding issue that continues to escalate despite attempts by the Biden administration to address it.
The gangs currently wreaking havoc in Haiti are equipped with a formidable arsenal of American-made weaponry, ranging from .50 caliber sniper rifles to semiautomatic AR-15 rifles and handguns. Despite efforts by the Biden administration to stem the flow of illicit firearms, Haiti’s porous borders and weak governmental control have facilitated the circulation of hundreds of thousands of illegal weapons within the country.
Smugglers Exploit Vulnerabilities of the Haiti Crisis
Romain Le Cour, a senior expert at the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime, underscores the gravity of the situation, noting that smugglers have been inundating Haiti with weapons for years, a trend that has persisted even amid ongoing crises. The sheer volume of arms entering the country underscores the urgency of addressing arms trafficking in Haiti.
Since the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, gang influence has solidified, particularly in the capital city of Port-au-Prince, leading to a further deterioration of the situation. Gang violence has escalated, resulting in widespread displacement and an alarming surge in fatalities. United Nations reports underscore the dire nature of the crisis, describing it as “cataclysmic” and highlighting the gangs’ ability to maintain a steady supply of weapons and ammunition.
