By Dessalines Ferdinand
Haiti is no longer known as “The Pearl of the Antilles” but rather as one of the most unsafe and troubled countries in the Western Hemisphere, grappling with severe economic disparities, political instability, and social unrest. Within this context, gang violence has become a pervasive issue, predominantly affecting the poorest communities. The gangs, composed of individuals from impoverished backgrounds, mostly target people from similar socioeconomic strata, while members of the government and economic elite remain relatively unscathed. This raises the question: why do gangs target people in the same neighborhoods as themselves?
Research shows that many reasons explain why gangs often operate within the neighborhoods where they reside. These areas are densely populated with people who share similar economic hardships and limited resources. The close proximity of potential victims makes it easier for the gangs to assert control and exert influence. Attacking local residents involves less risk and logistical effort compared to targeting well-protected members of the elite or government officials.
Another explanation is the power dynamics and control where gang violence is frequently used as a means to establish and maintain power within their territories. By targeting individuals in their own communities, gangs can instill fear and enforce obedience among local residents. This creates an environment where the gang’s authority is unquestioned, allowing them to conduct illegal activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, and kidnapping with minimal resistance. The cyclical nature of violence and fear perpetuates their control, ensuring the community remains subjugated and reliant on the gang’s “protection.”
According to some experts, there is what they call ‘socioeconomic vulnerability.’ The impoverished population is more susceptible to exploitation and coercion due to their lack of economic and social resources. In terms of vulnerability, the UN notes that between 30% to 50% of armed groups in Haiti currently have children within their ranks. Many of these children have been forced to join armed groups, while others have joined willingly as a measure of survival.
Gangs exploit this vulnerability in their communities, knowing that impoverished individuals have fewer means to defend themselves or seek justice. The absence of effective law enforcement and judicial systems further exacerbates this vulnerability, leaving the poor with limited recourse against gang violence.
In contrast to the poorest population, several factors explain why members of the government and economic elite are often insulated from gang violence. The elite is protected by what is called ‘political and economic elite’s immunity.’ They can afford robust security measures, including private security personnel, fortified residences, and secure transportation. These measures significantly reduce their exposure to gang-related threats.
Corruption and collusion also need to be considered for those who are rarely targeted by gang violence, as it is known that members of the elite and government officials in Haiti have tacit or explicit agreements with gangs. These arrangements involve financial support or political protection in exchange for immunity from attacks. Such collusion ensures these privileged groups remain untouched while the gangs focus their violence on less protected targets.
Gangs also often avoid targeting the elite to prevent attracting unwanted attention from powerful individuals who can mobilize state resources against them. Attacks on high-profile targets could result in a severe crackdown, jeopardizing the gang’s operations and existence.
The phenomenon of gangs in Haiti targeting individuals from their own impoverished communities while sparing the elite is a complex and paradoxical situation. Those who are most in need are the ones most affected by gang violence. The concentration of gang violence within poor neighborhoods reinforces negative stereotypes and stigmatizes these communities. This, in turn, perpetuates a cycle of poverty and violence, as affected areas are often neglected in terms of development and public services.
Resolving this situation requires a multifaceted approach. Key steps include strengthening law enforcement, reducing corruption, providing economic opportunities, and fostering community resilience. Only through these comprehensive and inclusive strategies can Haiti hope to break the cycle of violence and build a more equitable and peaceful society.
