• Prophane Victor, a former Haitian lawmaker, was arrested for allegedly colluding with gangs.
• His arrest comes amidst rising gang violence in Haiti, significantly impacting the capital city.
• Victor has faced international sanctions for his purported involvement in supporting violent groups.
• The Gran Grif gang, linked to Victor, has been implicated in severe human rights abuses.
• The situation reflects a broader crisis in Haiti, with thousands displaced and in need of humanitarian aid.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — In a significant action against escalating gang violence in Haiti, police have arrested Prophane Victor, a former legislator accused of arming gangs in the central region of the country. The arrest, made in the capital Port-au-Prince, represents a rare achievement for Haitian law enforcement amidst rampant violence and political corruption. According to the Associated Press, Victor had long been associated with gang activities in the Artibonite region and was charged with colluding with gang members operating within the community.

Victor, who previously represented the Petite Riviere community, has faced numerous allegations of arming young men during his 2016 election campaign, which was detailed in a U.N. report. These armed individuals eventually formed Gran Grif, currently the largest gang in the Artibonite area. Following a series of unfulfilled promises, a fallout occurred between Victor and Gran Grif in 2020, leading to accusations of Victor now supporting rival gangs. Notably, the gang was implicated in one of the deadliest massacres in recent Haitian history in October, which resulted in numerous deaths in Pont-Sonde.

Following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, gang violence has surged dramatically, with paramilitary groups controlling nearly 85% of Port-au-Prince. The United Nations has reported that over 4,500 people were killed and thousands displaced due to ongoing violence in the past years, creating a dire humanitarian crisis—approximately 6 million people now require aid, including many children. As detailed by Newsweek, Victor's arrest arrives against a backdrop of international pressure, citing allegations of human rights abuses linked to the gangs he purportedly supported.

The U.S. and Canada both sanctioned Victor for his actions supporting gangs engaged in severe human rights violations, with Canada imposing sanctions as recently as June 2023. The United Nations continues to highlight the escalating cycle of violence and instability within the region, advocating for humanitarian support to the millions affected. Despite the challenges, international security forces, led by personnel from Kenya, have mobilized to restore order, though their resources remain limited in confronting the growing threats posed by gangs. This situation, however, is evolving, and Victor's case is expected to gain close scrutiny, potentially indicating a shift in how authorities may begin to confront powerful figures embroiled in violence.

As Haiti navigates these turbulent times, the outcomes of Victor’s arrest will be crucial in setting a precedent for accountability among high-ranking officials linked to gang activities.