Haiti gang violence toll rises to 78 as Port-au-Prince suburbs remain volatile
France 24 International reports that at least 78 people have died in clashes between rival gangs in the capital’s outskirts since early May, highlighting the deepening governance crisis.
At least 78 people have died in violent clashes between gangs in the suburbs of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital city, since May 9, 2026. The fatalities underscore a severe deterioration in security conditions across the country over the past two years, driven by persistent and escalating gang violence.
The incident was reported by France 24 International on 15 May 2026. The network’s video report confirmed the death toll and location, noting that the suburbs of the capital remain the epicentre of the instability. Armed confrontations between rival groups have frequently affected these outskirts, disrupting local governance and public safety.
The timeframe of the current wave of violence began on May 9, with the death toll accumulating over the subsequent week. While the figure of 78 represents a confirmed minimum count, the actual number of casualties may rise as the situation remains volatile. Access to the affected suburbs is restricted, complicating independent verification and humanitarian response efforts.
Haiti has seen its security situation deteriorate significantly over the past two years. The country is currently ravaged by gang violence, which has eroded state authority in many areas. Port-au-Prince remains the focal point of this crisis, with the capital’s periphery experiencing the brunt of the armed confrontations.
Specific identities of the gangs involved in the recent clashes are not detailed in the available source material. Furthermore, the precise breakdown of civilian versus combatant deaths has not been specified. The source is a video report from France 24, and cross-verification with local Haitian authorities or other international agencies is recommended for independent confirmation of the full scope of the violence.
The ongoing instability in Port-au-Prince reflects broader governance challenges facing the Haitian state. As gang violence continues to disrupt the capital’s suburbs, the international community and local institutions face increasing pressure to address the root causes of the security vacuum.
The death toll of at least 78 serves as a stark indicator of the intensity of the current conflict. With access to affected areas limited, the full impact of these clashes on the civilian population remains difficult to assess in real-time. The situation requires close monitoring as the security environment in Haiti continues to evolve.
