April 23, 2025
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has recently highlighted the role of cocaine trafficking in worsening violence in Haiti. He explained that the drug, produced in the Catatumbo region in northeastern Colombia, is transported to La Guajira before reaching Haiti within hours, where it finances violent gang activities. From there, the cocaine continues its journey to Miami.
In 2024, Haiti experienced an unprecedented surge in gang-related violence. According to the United Nations, more than 5,600 people were killed that year—an increase of over 1,000 victims compared to 2023. This wave of violence has triggered massive population displacement, with more than a million people forced to flee their homes due to insecurity.
Children have been particularly affected by the crisis. Approximately 1.2 million of them live under direct threat of armed violence, and three million will require urgent humanitarian aid in 2025. Forced recruitment of minors by armed groups has risen by 70%, while sexual violence has seen a staggering 1,000% increase. Additionally, the closure of thousands of schools over the past two years has disrupted the education of 1.5 million children and teachers.
Haitian authorities are struggling to curb the growing influence of gangs, which now control 85% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The connection between international drug trafficking and local violence further complicates the crisis, demanding a coordinated response at both national and international levels to restore security and stability in Haiti.
