Haitian Town’s Battle Against Gangs Reveals Weakness of Global Intervention

While Haiti commemorated the 222nd anniversary of the Battle of Vertières—a pivotal moment that birthed the world’s first Black republic—the coastal town of Arcahaie was entrenched in a grim struggle for survival. The birthplace of Haiti’s iconic flag is now a frontline against heavily armed gangs attempting to seize control, underscoring the nation’s ongoing security crisis.

Is This What America Wants For Its Neighbor?

Arcahaie’s fight against gang violence is not just a Haitian problem; it is a glaring example of global failure that directly impacts American interests. An overstretched Haitian police force, lacking resources and manpower, continues to be outgunned by criminal networks. The recent murder of a police officer during an attack in Arcahaie highlights the grave risks faced by those who stand between order and chaos.

The U.N.’s underfunded mission led by Kenyan police has failed to stem this tide, even after the Security Council approved a gang-suppression force months ago—an initiative yet to see deployment. This delay plays into the hands of gangs who spread violence unchecked, destabilizing not only Haiti but fueling mass migration pressures on America’s southern border.

Leadership Vacuums Invite Lawlessness

Despite solemn speeches from transitional government leaders pledging security reforms, ground realities paint a different picture. The recent wave of kidnappings and killings, including innocent children in Labodrie, reveals systemic government incapacity and complicity. How long can Haitian citizens wait for protection while their communities crumble under lawlessness?

This turmoil echoes Washington’s previous missteps—where reliance on multinational bureaucratic missions over robust sovereignty-based solutions has backfired. Stronger emphasis on empowering Haitian authorities with clear America First-aligned support could have helped safeguard these communities instead of leaving them vulnerable to predatory gangs.

Arcahaie’s resistance is inspiring but insufficient without decisive action that respects national sovereignty and prioritizes practical security measures rather than idealistic international experiments that drain U.S. resources while failing to deliver results.

As chaos reigns in Haiti’s streets, Americans should ask: Are we content watching our neighbor descend further into instability while paying lip service to peacekeeping? True partnership demands accountability and respect for sovereignty—not endless failed interventions.