Haiti’s vigilantes rise up against gang violence, but civilians remain vulnerable — Comment from Maria Fernanda Arocha

Central America Research Manager and report co-author, Maria Fernanda Arocha, says: 

“Community self-defence has grown out of a deep security vacuum in Haiti, as gangs expand and state protection continues to show its limitations.

“In some areas, these groups have managed to push gangs back temporarily, but this has not reduced the overall harm to civilians, especially as gangs have responded with brutal retaliatory violence. While several self-defense groups view their mission as temporary and have set demobilization mechanisms once security improves, some have committed abuses. As power struggles are likely amid election-related organizing and uncertainty over political transitions, political and economic elites may seek to leverage their influence over these community groups, increasing the risk that they evolve into armed militias and add yet another layer of instability.”

Read the full report on how vigilante groups are transforming Haiti’s security landscape.