Haiti’s ongoing security crisis has worsened after intense fighting between rival gangs in the capital’s suburbs left at least 78 people dead and 66 others injured since last Saturday, according to the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH).
The clashes, which erupted on May 9, 2026, primarily took place in the densely populated communes of Cité Soleil and Croix-des-Bouquets. Among the victims are at least 10 civilians, including five men, four women, and one young girl.
The violence has also triggered a major humanitarian emergency, displacing more than 5,300 residents. Many families have fled their homes, while others remain trapped in the affected neighborhoods amid continuing gunfire.
Medical services in the area have been severely disrupted. A Doctors Without Borders (MSF) facility and a local hospital were forced to suspend operations and evacuate staff due to the escalating danger. Before evacuating, MSF teams treated 40 gunshot victims in less than 12 hours.
This latest wave of violence adds to a grim toll in the two communes. Between March 5 and May 11, at least 305 people were killed and 277 wounded in Cité Soleil and Croix-des-Bouquets alone, according to BINUH.
Haiti continues to face one of the worst gang violence crises in its history, with armed groups controlling large parts of the capital and surrounding areas. A new multinational security force is in the early stages of deployment to support the Haitian National Police, but progress has been slow.
Humanitarian organizations have warned that the situation remains critical, with thousands of people in urgent need of assistance.
Add Comment