The U.S. envoy to the United Nations announced that the American government will take action to prevent violent gangs operating in Haiti from generating revenue through social media platforms. Gang leaders in the country have used various social media sites to document violent acts, make threats, and post other content, while younger members use the platforms to share music videos and display cash in recruitment efforts targeting children in Haiti’s impoverished communities.
The envoy characterized the practice as deeply troubling and stated that efforts to curtail these activities would commence in the coming days, though specific details were withheld during remarks at a U.N. Security Council meeting. Previous attempts to address this issue have included the removal of a prominent gang leader from a major video platform in 2023 following public backlash over his subscriber count achievement.
The security situation in Haiti remains dire, with gang-related violence displacing a record nearly 1.5 million individuals. Statistics indicate more than 2,300 deaths and over 1,100 injuries have occurred since the beginning of the year, with particularly severe casualties reported in Port-au-Prince’s Cite Soleil area. Armed gangs currently control an estimated 70 percent of the capital and maintain influence over critical infrastructure including roads, ports, hospitals, and prisons.
The envoy emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting Haiti’s proximity to the United States and requesting assistance from countries with military transport capacity to deploy troops as part of a United Nations-backed mission. Additional security resources are also required, including heavy equipment to clear streets and remove gang-controlled checkpoints. Haiti’s government is simultaneously preparing to hold its first general elections in more than a decade, with voter registration activities beginning as part of efforts to restore governance following the 2021 death of the previous president.