Gangs now control 90% of Haitian capital: UN

United Nations: Armed gangs have tightened their grip on Haiti s capital Port au Prince, UN officials warned Wednesday, saying it is possible a total...

United Nations: Armed gangs have tightened their grip on Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince, UN officials warned Wednesday, saying it is possible a "total collapse" of state presence in the city could occur.

"We have continued to witness a sharp erosion of state authority and the rule of law. Brutal gang violence affects every aspect of public and private life," Miroslav Jenca, UN assistant secretary-general for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, told a Security Council meeting.

Despite "their best efforts," local police and a Kenya-led multinational support mission have been unable to make headway in restoring state authority, he said.

Haiti -- the poorest country in the Americas -- has suffered from political instability for decades and over the past year has seen soaring violence by armed groups.

"Without increased action by the international community, the total collapse of state presence in the capital could become a very real scenario," Jenca said.