Haiti's Dance with Destiny
By Darius Spearman (africanelements)
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In the heart of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, a group of dancers recently gathered in a lush garden. They called their event “Dance is Life.” This gathering was more than just a performance. It was a powerful statement about Haiti's culture and music. These artists showed that their spirit remains strong despite the severe security crisis gripping their nation.
The performance was the idea of Pascale Durosier, a dance teacher and choreographer. She sees dance as her language, a way to express deep feelings that words cannot capture. For her, dance is a way to cope with the difficult situation in Haiti. It allows her to forget about everything else, even for a little while.
Haiti's Struggle with Gang Violence
Haiti is facing a severe crisis due to widespread gang violence. This violence is especially bad in the capital, Port-au-Prince. It has caused many deaths and forced countless people to leave their homes. For instance, between early April and late June 2025, armed violence killed 1,520 people and injured 609 others (news.un.org; efe.com). The United Nations estimates that gangs control at least 85 percent of Port-au-Prince (news.un.org; news.un.org).
Moreover, these gangs are expanding their reach beyond the capital. They are now influencing areas like the Centre and Artibonite departments (news.un.org; news.un.org). In Mirebalais, two gangs even organized street cleaning and house painting campaigns. This shows how much control they have over daily life (news.un.org). This level of control highlights a form of “criminal governance.” Gangs are not just committing crimes; they are also trying to act like a governing body in some areas.
Impact of Gang Violence in Haiti (April-June 2025)
The Plight of Displaced People
The escalating gang violence has led to a record number of internally displaced people in Haiti. This means many people have been forced to leave their homes but remain within their own country. The violence has intensified, especially as it spreads beyond Port-au-Prince. This has forced tens of thousands of residents to flee (news.un.org).
Many of these displaced individuals now live in very difficult conditions. They often stay in temporary shelters, struggling to find basic necessities (news.un.org). While about a quarter of all internally displaced people still live in the capital, more and more are seeking safety in other parts of the country (news.un.org). This movement shows the widespread impact of the violence. It also highlights the urgent need for humanitarian aid and stable living conditions for these vulnerable populations.
Understanding Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in Haiti
These are individuals or groups who have been forced or obliged to flee or to leave their homes or places of habitual residence, in particular as a result of or in order to avoid the effects of armed conflict, situations of generalized violence, violations of human rights or natural or human-made disasters, and who have not crossed an internationally recognized state border.
The escalating gang violence in Haiti has led to a record number of IDPs, with many living in precarious conditions and temporary shelters.
Calls for Action and International Support
The international community and the Haitian government are being urged to act quickly. They must combat gang violence and protect the population. A recent report calls on the Haitian government, with international help, to strengthen its fight against gangs. This must be done while respecting human rights and proper use of force (binuh.unmissions.org). Recommendations include setting up specialized judicial units faster. They also suggest continuing to check the national police to ensure they are trustworthy. Protecting the population remains a top priority (binuh.unmissions.org).
The international community is also asked to support the full deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission. They should also work harder to stop arms trafficking (binuh.unmissions.org). Strong international security support should come with peacebuilding efforts. It should also include humanitarian action and political support. These steps are crucial to help Haiti move towards lasting development (news.un.org). This comprehensive approach is necessary to address the many challenges Haiti faces.
The Multinational Security Support Mission
The Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti is an international effort. The UN Security Council authorized it to help the Haitian government fight criminal gangs and bring back security. Kenya leads this mission. It aims to strengthen the Haitian National Police's efforts against gangs (warontherocks.com). The mission's main goal is to help break the gangs' strong hold over much of the country. It also supports Haitian institutions in building a stable future (crisisgroup.org).
The MSS mission began deploying in June 2024. It has already made some tactical gains. For example, they captured the residence of gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier. This shows what the mission can do (usip.org). However, the mission's effectiveness is limited by its size and scope. It struggles to keep up with the crisis. It does not have enough people to hold onto its wins (usip.org). This highlights the need for more resources and sustained commitment to truly make a difference.
Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti
To assist the Haitian government in combating criminal gangs and restoring security, authorized by the UN Security Council.
Led by Kenya, aiming to bolster the Haitian National Police's fight against gangs.
Help break the gangs' stranglehold on much of the country and support Haitian institutions in building a stable future.
Human Rights and Daily Life Under Threat
The crisis in Haiti involves serious human rights violations. These include extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, and child trafficking. While the report mentions these abuses, it does not provide specific examples. This makes it harder to fully grasp the severity and nature of the crisis. For example, sexual violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is a persistent emergency, with nearly 40,000 victims treated by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in 2024 alone (msf.org). This shows how such violence can escalate in conflict zones, offering a parallel to the potential scale of unreported abuses in Haiti.
The daily lives of ordinary Haitians are deeply affected by gang control and violence. Access to basic services, such as healthcare and education, becomes difficult. Economic activity also suffers greatly. People live in constant fear, which impacts their mental and physical well-being. The lack of detailed information on these impacts means the full human cost of the crisis is not always clear. Understanding these daily struggles is crucial for designing effective humanitarian responses.
The Roots of the Crisis and Government Capacity
The current surge in gang violence in Haiti has deep roots. It is connected to political instability, poor economic conditions, and historical factors. The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, for example, created a power vacuum. This allowed gangs to grow stronger and expand their influence. High unemployment and poverty also push many young people towards gangs. These groups offer a sense of belonging and a way to earn money, even if through illegal means.
There is also little information about the Haitian government's ability to fight these gangs. This is a critical point when considering solutions. Without a strong and capable government, even international support might not be enough. The challenges include corruption within institutions and a lack of resources for the national police. These issues make it very hard for the government to regain control and protect its citizens. Addressing these underlying problems is essential for any long-term solution.
Cultural Resilience and the Path Forward
Despite the overwhelming challenges, the spirit of Haiti remains vibrant. The “Dance is Life” event in Port-au-Prince is a powerful example of this resilience. The performance drew inspiration from the 18th-century Bois-Caïman Vodou ceremony. This ceremony led to the only successful slave revolt in history and the founding of Haiti as a free nation. Pascale Durosier emphasizes that dance is deeply ingrained in Haitian identity. She says, “It’s in our blood. We feel the drums; we feel the connection with music.”
Durosier sees dance as a revolution, a symbol of power and identity for Haitians. This cultural strength is a vital resource in the face of adversity. The path forward for Haiti requires a combination of strong security measures and sustained peacebuilding efforts. It also needs humanitarian aid and political support. The international community must continue to work with the Haitian people. Together, they can help Haiti move towards a future where its rich culture can thrive without the shadow of violence.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darius Spearman has been a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.
