Haiti's collapse into a failed state is the result of a complex mix of historical exploitation, foreign intervention, political corruption, economic dependency, and gang violence. While Haiti has faced natural disasters, economic hardship, and political instability, these challenges were exacerbated by deliberate policies from foreign powers, internal corruption, and failed governance.
1. Historical Roots of Haiti’s Crisis
A. Colonial Exploitation and the Legacy of Independence Debt
- Haiti was the first Black republic to gain independence in 1804 after defeating France in a brutal slave revolt.
- However, in 1825, France forced Haiti to pay 150 million francs (modern equivalent: billions of dollars) in "reparations" to compensate French slaveowners.
- Haiti had to borrow from European banks to pay this debt, plunging the country into perpetual economic crisis for over 100 years.
- This early economic drain crippled Haiti's development and left the country vulnerable to foreign interference.
B. U.S. Invasion and Occupation (1915-1934)
- The U.S. invaded and occupied Haiti from 1915 to 1934, seizing control of Haiti’s financial system.
- U.S. forces rewrote Haiti’s constitution, allowing foreign land ownership, which benefitted U.S. corporations but devastated Haitian farmers.
- The occupation enforced forced labor, killed thousands of Haitians who resisted, and laid the foundation for future dictatorships.
2. The Rise of Dictatorships and Corruption
A. The Duvalier Dictatorships (1957–1986)
- François "Papa Doc" Duvalier and later his son Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier ruled Haiti with an iron fist, backed by the U.S. and Western allies because they opposed communism.
- The Duvaliers stole billions of dollars, repressed opposition, and used the brutal Tonton Macoute militia to maintain power.
- Haiti’s infrastructure deteriorated, while the ruling elite lived in luxury.
B. Post-Duvalier Instability and U.S. Meddling
- After Baby Doc fled in 1986, Haiti was left in political chaos, with repeated military coups, foreign interventions, and failed democratic transitions.
- The U.S. and international organizations frequently interfered in elections, often blocking populist leaders like Jean-Bertrand Aristide who challenged neoliberal policies.
3. Economic Dependency and Exploitation
A. U.S. Policies That Crushed Haiti’s Economy
- In 1994, the Clinton administration forced Haiti to drop tariffs on imported U.S. rice, destroying Haiti’s rice farming industry.
- As a result, Haiti became dependent on U.S. food imports, increasing poverty and unemployment in rural areas.
- Sweatshops and foreign-owned businesses thrived, while local Haitian businesses were left to struggle.
B. Haiti’s Economy Controlled by Foreign Interests
- The IMF, World Bank, and USAID imposed neoliberal policies that benefited foreign corporations but weakened Haiti’s local industries.
- Foreign NGOs controlled much of Haiti’s aid and development, making Haiti reliant on international handouts rather than self-sufficiency.
4. Foreign Meddling in Elections and Governance
A. U.S. and International Interference in Haitian Politics
- The 2004 coup against President Jean-Bertrand Aristide (Haiti’s first democratically elected president) was backed by the U.S., France, and Canada because Aristide challenged neoliberal policies and sought reparations from France.
- The 2010 elections were manipulated by the U.S., with Hillary Clinton ensuring that Michel Martelly advanced to the runoff despite being in third place.
- The Martelly government (2011–2016) ushered in massive corruption, gang violence, and further collapse of governance.
B. The Failure of Haiti’s Government to Govern
- Haiti’s government became a puppet regime, reliant on foreign aid and unable to provide basic services.
- Elections were rigged, and politicians used state funds for personal enrichment.
- Public institutions collapsed, leading to mass protests and instability.
5. Gang Rule and the Collapse of Security
A. The Rise of Gangs as Political and Economic Players
- Haitian politicians, especially under Martelly and Moïse, armed and financed gangs to intimidate opponents and control neighborhoods.
- Over time, these gangs became more powerful than the government, leading to Haiti’s current lawlessness.
- Today, over 80% of Port-au-Prince is controlled by gangs, who engage in kidnappings, assassinations, and extortion.
B. The Assassination of President Jovenel Moïse (2021)
- In July 2021, Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in his home in a plot involving mercenaries from Colombia, U.S. connections, and corrupt Haitian elites.
- His death created a total power vacuum, with no functioning government, no legitimate elections, and increasing gang rule.
6. Haiti’s Humanitarian Crisis and Isolation
A. Repeated Natural Disasters and Lack of Response
- Haiti has suffered from earthquakes (2010, 2021), hurricanes, and cholera outbreaks.
- Billions in aid were mismanaged, stolen, or funneled to foreign contractors, leaving Haitians to fend for themselves.
B. No Functional Government, No Elections, No Future?
- Haiti has no sitting elected president, no functioning parliament, and no clear path forward.
- Foreign powers control Haiti’s future, with the U.S. and UN pushing for intervention rather than real solutions.
Conclusion: Haiti as a Victim of Internal and External Sabotage
Haiti’s collapse into a failed state is not just the result of internal corruption but also centuries of foreign exploitation, economic sabotage, and political interference.
- Foreign powers (France, U.S., Canada, UN, NGOs) have systematically weakened Haiti’s ability to govern itself.
- Haitian elites have prioritized self-enrichment over national stability.
- Gangs now control the country, filling the vacuum left by a collapsed government.
Unless Haiti is allowed to rebuild its sovereignty, regain control of its economy, and remove corrupt political elites, the country will remain trapped in a cycle of poverty, violence, and foreign dependency.
