Haiti: Authorities link ten deaths in Port-au-Prince to gang violence Nov. 14

Event

Police reportedly discovered the bodies of ten people in the Saline neighborhood of Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, November 14. Authorities attributed the deaths to gang violence, which, according to human rights groups, has significantly increased in recent months. Several civil society groups have announced their intent to join nationwide anti-corruption demonstrations between November 16-18 to call for greater security measures to combat gang violence. A heightened security presence is to be anticipated near demonstration sites. Clashes between protesters and police, as well as between rival gang members and gangs and police, are likely.

Context

At least 500 murders have been reported in Port-au-Prince in 2018 as of September. In addition to gang violence, the capital has also experienced several violent deadly protests largely over the alleged benefits allotted to public servants and the alleged misuse of PetroCaribe funds.

Advice

Individuals in Haiti, especially those in Port-au-Prince, are advised to monitor the situation, report all suspicious objects and behavior to the police, strictly avoid all protests and associated roadblocks due to the likelihood of violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.