Haiti faces increased challenges on all fronts

Significance

Haiti has long struggled with severe socio-political and economic challenges, but the intensification of a multitude of interconnected crises over the last year has destabilised the country to the point that some NGOs now claim it is on the verge of collapse. A recent outbreak of cholera threatens to compound matters still further.

Impacts

• Foreign intervention would have a humanitarian focus, but could draw international forces into conflict with gangs or even protesters.
• Deportations from the Dominican Republic will compound pressures on Haitian communities.
• Popular discontent will further erode domestic support for Henry.
• Henry’s dealings with international players will shore up his position.