Haiti faces hunger crisis as 5.4 million lack food amid gang violence

Haiti is facing a severe hunger crisis, with 5.4 million people lacking food, an increase from under five million in March. At least 6,000 residents are experiencing catastrophic hunger, defined as having almost no food despite all coping strategies. The situation has worsened due to escalating gang violence, particularly in Port-au-Prince, which has disrupted food supply and access. Inflation is high, with food costs consuming up to 70% of household budgets. The UN has renewed the mandate for a Kenyan-led security force to assist Haitian police in combating gangs. However, troop deployment has been slow, and funding is limited. Haiti's government seeks to convert this force into a formal UN peacekeeping mission, facing opposition from China and Russia.