The United States intends to take action against violent gangs in Haiti that exploit social media to fund their operations, U.S. envoy to the United Nations Mike Waltz announced Monday.
Waltz stated that the U.S. government will "shut that down" but provided no further specifics on the planned measures during a United Nations Security Council meeting in New York.
Gangs in Haiti frequently use social media platforms to post violent content, issue threats, and recruit younger members. These online activities often include celebrations of killings and displays of cash, according to reports.
Efforts to curb the gangs' online presence are not new. In 2023, YouTube banned Johnson André, a prominent Haitian gang leader known as Izo, after he received an award for reaching over 100,000 subscribers.
Waltz also urged countries with aerial capabilities to assist in the deployment of foreign troops to Haiti, which is part of a U.N.-backed mission to combat gang violence. He emphasized that sea transportation is too slow given the urgent needs in the country.
Gang violence has led to a severe humanitarian crisis in Haiti, displacing nearly 1.5 million people. More than half of the nation's population requires humanitarian aid. Since January, over 2,300 people have been killed and more than 1,100 injured, according to U.N. figures.
In specific incidents, gangs have surrounded and attacked vehicles, leading to the deaths of police officers. Waltz described one instance where officers were "flayed alive on the streets" after their vehicle became stuck, with their bodies displayed to send a message.
Haiti is experiencing widespread gang control, with armed groups occupying roads, ports, hospitals, and other state infrastructure. Waltz highlighted the need for equipment such as heavy bulldozers to clear gang-controlled checkpoints.
The proximity of Haiti to the United States, being only a few hundred miles from Florida, makes the situation a critical interest for the U.S., Waltz noted.
This announcement comes as the U.S. prepares to revoke temporary protected status for approximately 350,000 Haitians living in the United States, a move that has drawn criticism from human rights advocates.
An estimated 70% of Port-au-Prince is controlled by gangs, and the United Nations reports that up to half of gang members are children. Poverty and hunger are reportedly worsening.
Vanessa Frazier, the U.N.'s special representative for children and armed conflict, described the situation for children in Haiti as "among the most alarming anywhere in the world," citing killings, maiming, abduction, recruitment, displacement, and denial of education and basic protections.
Jack Christofides, special representative for Haiti's gang suppression force, confirmed that the force has established its headquarters and begun operations against gang infrastructure, though he described the overall environment as "extremely challenging."
Haiti has been without a president since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. The country is currently led by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. General elections have not been held in over a decade.
According to Raina Forbin, Haiti's foreign affairs minister, seven of the country's 10 departments are ready for electoral activities, with the gang suppression force seen as crucial for restoring security in the remaining three.
By the end of the year, Haiti's National Police is expected to increase its ranks by 4,000 officers, and an additional 1,500 recruits are anticipated for the nation's Armed Forces. However, the police force remains understaffed and underfunded.