The United Nations chief warned that gang-infested Haiti is falling deeper into carnage and disorder. This is as the Kenyan police force prepares to enter the country to restore peace.

Brutal gangs are consolidating their grip on Haiti, with snipers shooting randomly from rooftops and victims being burned alive, prompting vigilante groups to respond with even more brutality.


PHOTO | COURTESY Violence, Rape, Impunity Grow Worse In Haiti

In a report released on Wednesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that Gang-related violence has continued to increase in intensity and brutality, with gangs expanding their control within and beyond Port-au-Prince.

Guterres added that Sexual violence, including collective rape, continues to be used by gangs to terrorize populations under the control of rival gangs.

PHOTO | COURTESY Demonstrators 

According to the research, approximately 2,800 murders were committed between October 2022 and June 2023, with nearly 80 of them targeting teenagers.

Kidnappings for ransom are also on the rise, with about 1,500 individuals abducted in the last year, including 55 youngsters, according to the research, which adds that the true figure could be even higher because families do not usually report such crimes to authorities, preferring to deal directly with kidnappers.

PHOTO | COURTESY burning tyres in the streets

According to the report, Despite the imposition of sanctions and a targeted arms embargo on Haiti, "experts assess that illicit trafficking in weapons and ammunition has continued in the country.

As a result, police officers are outnumbered and outgunned, and prosecutors and judges are afraid to pursue gang members.

The UN boss added that stabilizing the security situation in Haiti will require significant international support, not only to the national police to restore security but also in the areas of corrections, the justice system, customs control, and border management.