I. Introduction: A Nation in Turmoil
Haiti stands as one of the most politically unstable countries in the Western Hemisphere. Years of weak governance, contested elections, rampant corruption, and fragile institutions have left the nation in perpetual crisis. The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 exposed the depth of the political vacuum, plunging Haiti into further uncertainty. For many Haitians, political instability is not just an abstract concept but a daily reality that drives widespread poverty, violence, and ultimately, migration.

II. Historical Legacy of Political Instability
Haiti’s modern political instability cannot be understood without reference to its history. From the dictatorship of François ‘Papa Doc’ Duvalier and his son Jean-Claude ‘Baby Doc’ to decades of coups and contested elections, the state has repeatedly failed to establish stable democratic governance. These cycles of instability have undermined trust in institutions and created fertile ground for corruption and violence.

III. Weak Institutions and Corruption
Institutions in Haiti remain fragile and deeply compromised by corruption. Government ministries are plagued by mismanagement, while officials frequently siphon off international aid meant for public services. The judiciary lacks independence, leaving citizens without access to fair trials or accountability for abuses. This erosion of governance creates conditions in which ordinary Haitians see little hope for justice or economic opportunity.

IV. Political Violence and Assassinations
Political instability in Haiti is closely tied to violence. The assassination of President Moïse highlighted how criminal groups and political elites often intertwine. Political assassinations and violent crackdowns on protests are frequent, leaving citizens fearful and disillusioned with the political process. This culture of political violence further undermines confidence in democratic participation.

V. Protests and Civil Unrest
Protests against corruption, inflation, and government mismanagement regularly paralyse the country. While these demonstrations are expressions of popular frustration, they are
often met with violent repression from security forces. Tear gas, live ammunition, and arbitrary arrests are common tactics, deepening citizens’ sense of insecurity and fuelling the decision to migrate.

VI. Gang Control and Political Power
Armed gangs now control vast areas of Haiti, particularly in Port-au-Prince. These groups exert significant political influence, often colluding with elites or filling the vacuum left by absent state authority. For residents of gang-controlled areas, life is marked by extortion, kidnappings, and violence, with little prospect of state protection. The blurring of lines between politics and organised crime compounds instability.

VII. Humanitarian Consequences
Political instability has devastating humanitarian consequences. Food insecurity, lack of healthcare, and limited access to education are direct results of poor governance. Economic collapse, exacerbated by political crises, leaves families unable to meet basic needs. These hardships create powerful push factors driving migration.

VIII. The Role of International Actors
International actors, including the United Nations and regional organisations, have long attempted to stabilise Haiti. However, foreign interventions have often been criticised for deepening dependency and failing to address root causes of instability. Despite billions in aid, political corruption ensures that many citizens see little improvement in their daily lives.

IX. Migration as a Political Statement
For many Haitians, migration is not only about escaping poverty but also about rejecting a political system that has consistently failed them. Leaving the country becomes an act of survival and protest against corrupt elites and ineffective governance. Asylum claims often emphasise political persecution, violence, and the absence of rule of law.

X. Dangerous Migration Routes
Haitian migrants frequently embark on perilous journeys by sea or through Latin America toward the United States and Canada. These routes expose them to shipwrecks, hunger, abuse by smugglers, and violence from security forces in transit countries. Despite these dangers, migration continues to grow, reflecting the desperation caused by political instability.

XI. Diaspora Influence
Haiti’s diaspora plays a central role in sustaining families and influencing politics back home. Remittances account for a significant portion of the economy, while diaspora communities advocate for accountability and reform. This global Haitian presence highlights both the resilience of the people and the consequences of a state unable to provide for its citizens.

XII. Conclusion: Migration as the Only Escape
Political instability in Haiti is more than a governance failure—it is a driver of mass migration. With citizens facing violence, corruption, and economic collapse, leaving the country becomes the only viable option for survival. Until systemic reforms rebuild institutions, restore rule of law, and address corruption, Haitians will continue to risk everything in search of stability and safety abroad.