2026-01-20

Haiti has experienced episodic gang violence pauses historically when leadership transitions create uncertainty about which political actors gangs should align with or pressure, with the most notable recent pause occurring during the 2021 presidential assassination when gangs briefly suspended operations awaiting clarity on power succession. The current 44-day pause from December 21 through January 19 represents the longest sustained reduction in gang violence since 2023, coinciding with the approaching February 7 deadline when the CPT mandate expires and creating speculation that gang leader Barbecue is positioning for inclusion in transition negotiations rather than risking exclusion through continued high-profile attacks.