In a bid to alleviate the deepening crisis in Haiti, Prime Minister Ariel Henry has declared his intention to step down once a transitional presidential council is established. However, as politicians jostle for power, powerful gangs that control the majority of the capital are inserting themselves into the political landscape, demanding influence in the nation's future.

While Caribbean leaders celebrated the establishment of a new political path for Haiti, little attention was given to the armed groups that have been wreaking havoc and unleashing violence in the country. Experts have warned that progress will remain elusive unless the issue of gangs is effectively addressed.

Renata Segura, a representative from the International Crisis Group, emphasized the growing strength of these gangs and their control over the country's security situation. The transition of power, as it stands, has had little impact on the day-to-day security challenges faced by Haiti. The situation is deeply troubling, and urgent action is needed.

The gangs have close ties to Haiti's political and economic elites, but they have increasingly pursued their own agenda, financing their operations through kidnapping ransoms and obtaining powerful weapons through smuggling. This has allowed them to overpower the underfunded police force. It is estimated that over 200 gangs are operating throughout Haiti, with more than 20 of them concentrated in Port-au-Prince and its surrounding areas.

These gangs primarily align themselves with two main coalitions; the G9 Family and Allies, led by Jimmy Chérizier (also known as "Barbecue"), and G-Pep, led by Gabriel Jean-Pierre, who is aligned with Johnson André, leader of the 5 Seconds gang ("Izo").

In a bold move, just prior to Prime Minister Ariel Henry's announcement of his impending resignation and the creation of a transitional council, Chérizier held a spontaneous press conference in which he vehemently rejected any solution proposed or supported by the international community.

The involvement and growing power of these gangs present a significant challenge in Haiti's pursuit of stability and progress. As the nation grapples with political turmoil, it is imperative that a comprehensive approach is developed to address this pressing issue. Failure to do so risks further exacerbating the security crisis and hindering any meaningful path towards recovery and prosperity for the people of Haiti.