Haitian state accused of weakness against gangs

Context of the Problem

For several years in Haiti, repetitive scenes of insecurity have occurred: abandoned territories, displaced populations, roads controlled by gangs, businesses extorted, and houses burned. These events show the state's weakness against these criminal groups despite its legal legitimacy.

Critical Analysis

Mompoint points out that the government has a national police (PNH), a National Police Superior Council (CSPN), and other institutions but does not effectively mobilize these resources to fight against gangs. He questions why such public power is not being exercised.

Reflection on Legal Monopoly

According to Max Weber, one of the fundamental attributes of the modern state is its monopoly on legitimate physical force. Currently in Haiti, this monopoly is cracking because gangs exercise real coercion despite their lack of legal legitimacy.