Port-au-Prince: Haiti’s Prime Minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aime, has said the country’s deteriorating security situation makes it impossible to hold presidential elections scheduled for August, as escalating gang violence continues to destabilise the Caribbean nation.
Fils-Aime acknowledged that the current conditions do not allow authorities to organise safe and credible polls. Fils-Aime stated that, “If everything goes according to plan, Haiti could have an elected president by February 7.”
Elections delayed again
Haiti has not conducted elections since 2016, with successive administrations repeatedly postponing voting due to mounting instability and the growing influence of armed gangs. The country plunged deeper into crisis after the 2021 assassination of former President Jovenel Moise, whose death created a major political vacuum. Since then, criminal groups have tightened their grip over much of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
The electoral council had originally planned the first round of presidential voting for August 30, followed by a run-off election in December. More than 280 political parties had reportedly been approved to participate. However, continued violence has raised serious doubts over the feasibility of conducting free and fair elections.
Hospitals evacuated as gang clashes intensify
Fresh clashes between rival gangs in Port-au-Prince have forced hospitals to evacuate patients and displaced hundreds of residents from their homes. Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) announced the evacuation of its hospital in the Cité Soleil neighbourhood after intense fighting erupted.
The organisation said it treated more than 40 gunshot victims within just 12 hours while also sheltering around 800 civilians fleeing the violence. A stray bullet inside the facility reportedly struck one hospital security guard.
Another medical centre, Fontaine Hospital, evacuated newborn babies from its intensive care unit as violence spread across the area. MSF warned that no functioning hospital currently remains open in the conflict-hit zone, adding that ongoing gunfire has made it impossible to guarantee the safety of patients and medical staff.
More than 1.4 million displaced
According to the International Organisation for Migration, gang violence in Haiti has displaced more than 1.4 million people, with nearly 200,000 now living in overcrowded temporary shelters in the capital.
Residents fleeing the latest violence described chaotic scenes as armed groups torched homes and forced families to scatter. The fighting reportedly involves the Chen Mechan gang and allied groups formerly linked to the Viv Ansanm coalition, a powerful alliance bringing together hundreds of armed gangs across Port-au-Prince.
International security mission faces uncertainty
The worsening crisis comes as a Kenyan-led international security mission backed by the United Nations undergoes restructuring after facing shortages of funding, troops and equipment. The mission also faced allegations of sexual abuse, further complicating international efforts to stabilise the country.
The UN is now seeking to deploy around 5,500 additional personnel to Haiti by October, although uncertainty remains over funding and troop contributions. Chad announced earlier this year that it plans to send 1,500 personnel to support the mission, with around 400 already deployed.
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