UN Report Links Haitian Politicians to Gang Violence
United Nations experts report that Haitian political and economic actors maintain symbiotic relationships with gangs to fuel violence and influence elections.
Experts appointed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations published a 94-page report detailing a symbiotic relationship between Haitian gangs and political and economic actors. The findings emerge as Haiti prepares for its first general elections in over a decade, warning that fractures within the Viv Ansanm gang alliance may increase civilian displacement and sexual violence.
Nenel Cassy, a former senator, is specifically accused of controlling a criminal group in Miragoane to advance his political interests. Cassy denied the claims, characterizing them as political persecution. The report also accuses former legislator Alfrédo Junior Antoine of arming youth groups and sponsoring a 2025 attack in Kenscoff that resulted in over 100 deaths.
The investigation highlights systemic corruption, including police officers who supply weapons and intelligence to criminal networks and the recruitment of children through financial incentives. The report further notes the failure of U.N. sanctions, stating that frozen assets for figures such as Prophane Victor and Dimitri Hérard have been negligible.
