By Asiimwe Angel
On May 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State took a decisive step in combating violent criminal gangs in Haiti by designating Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). This action underscores the United States’ commitment to protecting national security interests and supporting the Haitian people in their struggle against gang-driven instability.
Viv Ansanm, formed in September 2023, is a coalition of gangs in Port-au-Prince, uniting two major factions: G-9 and G-Pép. This alliance has provided a platform for coordinated criminal activities, enabling the group to launch devastating attacks on critical infrastructure, including prisons, government buildings, and Haiti’s main airport. These assaults have not only destabilized the country but also played a pivotal role in forcing the resignation of former Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry. By consolidating power, Viv Ansanm has amplified its ability to undermine efforts to restore state control, plunging Haiti deeper into chaos.
In Haiti’s Artibonite department, a key agricultural region known for its rice fields, Gran Grif reigns as the dominant gang. Responsible for 80 percent of civilian deaths in the region since 2022, Gran Grif has terrorized communities and targeted security forces. The group’s violent campaign includes attacks on the Haitian National Police and the UN-authorized Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. A notable incident in February 2025 saw Gran Grif kill a Kenyan officer serving with the MSS mission, highlighting the gang’s threat to both local and international efforts to stabilize Haiti.
The designations of Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as FTOs and SDGTs carry significant consequences. These actions block all property and interests of the designated groups in the United States or under the control of U.S. persons, effectively cutting them off from the U.S. financial system. U.S. citizens and entities are prohibited from engaging in transactions with these organizations, with violations potentially leading to sanctions or criminal charges. Knowingly providing material support to these groups is a crime, and the designations may trigger secondary sanctions under counterterrorism authorities.
Beyond financial isolation, these designations empower U.S. law enforcement and international partners to pursue legal action against the gangs and their supporters. By exposing and isolating these groups, the U.S. aims to disrupt their operations and weaken their ability to carry out attacks.
The designations are enacted under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, with FTO status taking effect upon publication in the Federal Register. Individuals or entities seeking to challenge these designations can refer to the Department of State’s Delisting Guidance page for further information.
Haiti’s ongoing struggle with gang violence has devastated communities, displaced thousands, and hampered efforts to restore governance. The U.S. designations of Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif signal a robust international response to this crisis, aiming to dismantle the networks fueling violence and pave the way for a more secure and stable Haiti. As the international community continues to support Haiti through initiatives like the MSS mission, these actions serve as a critical tool in the fight against organized crime and terrorism in the region.
