Summary. Haiti is now seen as a country where terrorists have near-total control over the capital and several other cities. Beyond the objectives and interests of the U.S. government—such as national security and the protection of its citizens—if strong and appropriate measures are not taken to address the root causes of the crisis (including the flow of firearms and ammunition from the United States, cross-border trafficking with the Dominican Republic, and broader criminogenic factors), gangs—many of whom are themselves social victims—could become further radicalized. Haiti could then evolve into a country effectively governed by terrorists. That would mean total chaos, with consequences extending far beyond its borders, especially as the country teeters on the brink of institutional and social collapse.
The parade of gang leaders Lanmò San Jou and Jeff Gwo Lwa and their armed followers through the streets of Mirebalais on March 31, 2025—just days after seizing the town—the live-streamed execution of four citizens by gang leader Didi in Kenscoff on April 25, 2025, in retaliation for the government’s use of kamikaze drones against gangs, and the arson attack on the AUTOMECA car dealership during the night of May 7–8, 2025, under similar pretexts, all point to this alarming trajectory.
The Dominican Republic—first to officially label the group Viv Ansanm as a terrorist organization (by decree 104-25 on March 4, 2025)—is now poised to use this classification as leverage to advance its own strategic interests.
The humanitarian situation is also at risk of further deterioration. NGOs providing vital services in vulnerable neighborhoods may be forced to suspend their activities to avoid violating 18 U.S. Code § 2339B—which prohibits providing material support or resources to designated foreign terrorist organizations—as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Holder v. Humanitarian Law Project (Nos 08-1498 et 09-89), 21 June 2010.
Already on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list due to weak anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing mechanisms, Haiti is likely to face even tighter scrutiny, stricter requirements, and financial restrictions.
In line with existing bilateral sanctions from the U.S. and Canada, as well as UN Security Council Resolution 2022）， previously sanctioned political and business elites may soon find themselves formally designated as terrorism financiers. The Haitian ruling class, which has long remained indifferent to the country’s descent into chaos, must shake off its inertia before it is too late. A call to conscience, responsibility, and immediate action is not only necessary—it is urgent.
