Haiti security crisis persists despite increased police funding

Haiti continues to face severe violence as armed gangs carry out massacres, kill civilians, and force thousands to flee their homes. Despite the escalating insecurity, the Police Nationale d’Haïti (PNH) and the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) have focused on increasing patrols in downtown Port-au-Prince rather than launching offensive operations to dismantle criminal bases.

Financial data reveals that credits allocated to the PNH have totaled approximately 124.86 billion gourdes over the last five fiscal years, rising from 16.69 billion in 2021-2022 to 26.53 billion in 2025-2026. Despite this 59% increase in funding, security remains uncontrolled. Recent violence in Kenscoff, where residents were killed and homes burned during attacks on August 23 and 24, 2026, highlights the ongoing struggle. Experts note that addressing the crisis requires more than just budget increases; it necessitates improved logistics, intelligence, training, and a functional judicial system to counter the significant resources held by armed groups.