Opinion | Haiti’s American gun problem
Washington PostAug 11, 2023
Illegal US Guns Fueling Haiti Gang Violence
The Facts
Illegal weapons from abroad are fueling the surge in gun violence in Haiti, with an estimated 80% of the capital Port-au-Prince now controlled by criminal armed gangs, according to a recent UN report.
Haitian human rights groups have pointed out that the nation itself has "no weapons or ammunition factory." Small arms, semi-automatic, and even military firearms are reportedly entering the country due to weak state institutions and corruption.
The Spin
Narrative A
Haiti's criminal gangs and narcos thrive on illicit arms, often originating from Florida due to lax laws. Despite some busts, trafficking persists, destabilizing not only Haiti but also other nations. It would be unforgivable to ignore the proliferation of US-made firearms, which are enabling adversaries to arm themselves.
Narrative B
Nations like Haiti, with a history of violence and chronic lawlessness, must look inward before blaming their ills on others. Assigning blame to the US for gun smuggling is easy, but what about Haiti's own systems and checks? The US has poured in millions of dollars in aid for Haitians. The nation must fix its own problems.
Nerd narrative
There is a 50% chance Haiti will not become an upper middle-income country by Jan. 1, 2050, according to the Metaculus prediction community.