Haiti, a nation grappling with mounting security challenges, has found itself listed among the 34th most dangerous countries globally, according to the latest findings in the 2023 Global Peace Index (GPI).
Published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace, this index assesses the safety levels in nations worldwide.
A major downturn for Haiti
Haiti’s standing in the 2023 GPI marks a significant downturn, with the nation dropping seventeen places to 129th out of 163 countries.
This ranking stands as the lowest Haiti has ever experienced since the inception of the index back in 2008.
Across-the-board deterioration
Haiti’s distressing decline in peacefulness is not confined to one domain; it extends across all three GPI domains.
The most substantial decline was registered in the Safety and Security domain.
The report highlights a substantial deterioration in the internal security situation within the French-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) member state over the past year.
This deterioration is attributed to a surge in violent crime and a noticeable decline in political stability.
Crisis of insecurity unfolds
Since the tragic assassination of President Jovenel Moise, Haiti has spiraled into a deepening crisis of insecurity.
Criminal gangs now exert control over more than half of the country’s territory, compelling thousands of residents to flee their homes.
A new classification: Violent conflict
The report underscores that Haiti’s internal security predicament has escalated to a point where it is categorized as an outright violent conflict.
The intensity of the internal conflict indicator has surged to a maximum score of five.
Unprecedented instability
Further exacerbating the situation is the extreme instability that has gripped the nation.
Various organized crime groups now commandeer significant portions of Haiti, unleashing violence against civilians and openly clashing with security forces.
Political paralysis and corruption
The persistent delays in conducting elections have resulted in the expiration of terms for most elected officials.
This has severely hampered the government’s ability to formulate an effective security strategy.
Moreover, a pervasive culture of corruption and collusion between political elements and organized crime groups has infiltrated government security forces.
A stark contrast in global rankings
In stark contrast to Haiti’s plight, Iceland claims the title of the world’s safest country, followed closely by Denmark and Ireland.
Conversely, the lowest positions on the GPI are occupied by Syria, Yemen, and Afghanistan.
