Haiti is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis as gang violence continues to disrupt daily life, leading to skyrocketing food prices and widespread starvation. Rita Lozandieux, a caregiver for her four granddaughters, highlights the dire situation, stating that basic necessities have become unaffordable, making it nearly impossible to secure enough food for even three meals a day.

The violence has also resulted in the closure of over 900 schools, impacting more than 200,000 children and depriving them of education. Gary Pierre, founder of the English language Haitian Times, notes that the lack of educational opportunities has created a troubling cycle, with many young people turning to gangs for a sense of belonging and purpose as legitimate pathways to high school or university remain virtually nonexistent.

Amidst this turmoil, Haiti is attempting to stabilize its governance. In April, the country established an interim government and appointed a new prime minister. Recently, an electoral council was formed with the goal of conducting general elections by 2026, marking the first such elections in a decade. However, the interim government faces significant challenges, including accusations of bribery against three of its members, which could hinder progress and exacerbate the already critical situation. As the country struggles to rebuild, the need for transparency and effective governance has never been more urgent.