Haiti: Religious service reported in Pétion-Ville area of Port-au-Prince September 18

Event

The US embassy in Port-au-Prince issued a security message on Friday, September 18, warning of a religious service at Place St. Pierre in the Pétion-Ville area of the capital. The embassy has restricted all travel through Pétion-Ville for embassy personnel and recommends US citizens to take similar precautions due to the unpredictable nature of such events. The service is to commemorate the assassinated president of the Port-au-Prince Bar Association Me Monferrier Dorval, who was killed at his home on August 28 by unidentified attackers. Two other prominent Haitians were killed on the same day. Their deaths brought about protests over the failure of Haitian authorities to improve security in the poverty-stricken nation.

A heightened security presence is likely in the area in the near term, with an associated risk of localized travel disruptions.  

Advice

Those in Port-au-Prince are advised to monitor developments, anticipate localized disruptions to transportation and business operations, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. The security environment in Haiti remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.