April 9, 2025
The number of illegally circulating firearms in Haiti has reached alarming levels, with estimates ranging from 270,000 to 500,000. The United Nations has raised concerns over the proliferation of these sophisticated weapons, most of which are in the hands of criminal groups spreading terror.
Although Haiti is not a firearms-producing country, weapons continue to flow into the nation from abroad. This illicit trade fuels an unrelenting cycle of violence, enabling gang expansion and further weakening state authority.
Kidnappings, often carried out under the threat of military-grade weapons, have surged at an alarming rate. More than 700 cases have been recorded recently, highlighting the impunity enjoyed by these armed groups.
In response to the worsening security crisis, the Haitian National Police has ramped up operations against gangs. However, these interventions have resulted in over 2,000 deaths and injuries in just a few months, including many innocent civilians.
The proliferation of illegal firearms in Haiti continues to drive devastating violence. According to United Nations reports, more than 5,600 people were killed in 2024, while 2,212 were injured and 1,494 abducted.
In this context, arms control remains a crucial issue in restoring stability to the country. Without decisive action to curb the influx of weapons, the cycle of violence is likely to persist, further endangering the Haitian population.
