Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
July 19, 2025 – Haiti is just four months away from general elections scheduled for November 15, yet the nation is paralyzed by hunger, violence, and despair. The country is facing a humanitarian disaster on nearly every front, while hopes for democratic renewal hang in the balance.
“We are on the brink of famine.” — CARICOM Communiqué, July 2025
According to the United Nations, over 5.7 million Haitians — nearly half the population — are starving. Children go days without food. Women and girls suffer horrific violence. Families are displaced. And an overwhelmed police force has all but collapsed.
Starvation and Desperation
Humanitarian agencies report families surviving on a single meal a day or none at all. In key farming regions like Kenscoff and Artibonite — once the breadbaskets of Haiti — food production has halted due to gang activity and conflict. The UN and CARICOM have both warned that parts of Haiti are “bordering on famine.”
While the UN World Food Programme has reached over 1.1 million people since January, aid workers say they’ve only been able to support 38% of those targeted for food assistance — due to underfunding, insecurity, and gang blockades.
Lawlessness and Fear
Gang violence has claimed over 5,000 lives in the past year alone. Women and girls are facing systematic abuse, from mass rapes to kidnappings. Children are being recruited into armed groups, and the elderly and disabled have been left with no protection.
UN reports show that nearly 90% of Port-au-Prince is controlled by armed groups. Less than a quarter of hospitals remain fully operational.
The national police force has lost thousands of officers since 2021, and morale is at its lowest point in years.
Is the Security Mission Working? The Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, led by Kenya, was launched with global approval and promises of reinforcements. But nearly a year into the effort, only 991 personnel are deployed — less than 40% of what was pledged. Equipment and funding are dangerously low. Two bases have been established, yet gangs still rule the capital. CARICOM, the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Transitional Presidential Council continue to push for stability, but international response remains sluggish. Haiti’s 2025 humanitarian appeal is the least-funded in the world, with just 2% of the needed $425 million received.
Can Elections Even Happen?
Despite plans for elections in November and a new presidential transition by February 7, 2026, many Haitians are doubtful. With millions displaced, security in shambles, and widespread hunger, the feasibility of a free and fair vote is under serious question.
“We just need more money to do our work,” said a UN spokesperson this week. “The world cannot look away.”
At a Glance: Haiti in Crisis
- 5.7M+ people starving
- 5,000+ killed by gangs since 2024
- 991 MSS troops deployed (of 2,500 planned)
- 90% of Port-au-Prince under gang control
- Less than 25% of hospitals fully functional
- 2% of humanitarian food appeal funded
Sources:
UN Press Briefing, July 16, 2025
CARICOM Communiqué, July 8, 2025
Reuters, Associated Press, UN OCHA, Amnesty International