In brief
The U.S. government's designation of the Viv Ansanm gang coalition as a terrorist entity raises fears of escalating violence and a potential economic blockade in Haiti, severely impacting humanitarian aid.
In a notable development, the Trump administration has officially classified a powerful coalition of armed gangs in Haiti as a terrorist organization. This designation, made on May 2, 2025, is aimed at addressing the escalating violence and instability the gangs have brought to the country, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince. The gang coalition, known as Viv Ansanm — translating to "Living Together" in Haitian Creole — was formed last year with an initial promise to safeguard civilians. However, it quickly shifted to a more violent approach, launching attacks on communities, prisons, hospitals, and police forces. By declaring these gangs as terrorists, the Trump administration has taken a significant step that opens the door for stringent economic sanctions and potential military action against them. The repercussions of this decision are expected to be severe. As gangs control crucial elements of Haiti's economy, including primary trade routes and ports, experts warn that the imposition of sanctions may effectively halt all commerce with the country. This could lead to an emergency situation where humanitarian aid programs are obstructed, as delivering assistance to communities typically necessitates negotiations with these gangs. Jake Johnston, a senior research associate at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, articulated the gravity of the situation on social media, highlighting that no assistance can reach affected areas without the gangs’ consent. The move has ignited concerns about increasing humanitarian challenges in a country already on the brink of collapse.
