Haiti: Significant spike in gang violence likely to continue in parts of greater Port-au-Prince through at least mid-July

Event

A recent spike in violent crime will likely continue to pose an elevated security threat in parts of the greater Port-au-Prince area through at least mid-July. Although criminal violence has been a persistent security issue in the Haitian capital for a number of years, confrontations between rival gangs have escalated due to territorial disputes in recent weeks and overwhelmed local security forces. On June 16, Haiti's National Police Chief placed the police on maximum alert, canceling scheduled leave for officers and ordering them to return to their duty posts. Both the US and French embassies in Haiti have issued security alerts warning their citizens of a dramatic increase in violent crime, gang activity, and kidnappings in the capital, especially in the southern neighborhoods. Locations within the metropolitan area that have mainly been affected are Laboule 12, Cite Soleil, Martissant, Bel Air, Toussant Brave, Bas-Delmas, and Fontamara townships. According to local authorities, at least 22 armed gangs are involved in violent crime in the capital.

Since the beginning of June, at least eight police stations in greater Port-au-Prince, including those in Drouillard, Cite Soleil, Duvivier, Martissant, and Portail Saint-Joseph, have been targets of violent attacks. During these incidents, armed groups killed at least eight police officers and stole ammunition and other equipment. On June 13, heavy shooting was reported in multiple locations, including Martissant and La Saline, as well as Delmas and Cite Soleil - both located not far from Port-au-Prince-Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP). Several businesses in the vicinity of PAP had to close temporarily on June 14 when armed individuals broke into a local establishment and blocked the road leading to the airport.

According to data released by the UN, out of the approximately 13,900 people who have been internally displaced in Haiti in 2021, an estimated 10,000 persons were displaced over the first two weeks of June due to gang violence in Port-au-Prince. Most of the families who left their homes in the nation's capital sought refuge outside the city or in a temporary shelter in the Carrefour neighborhood.

Increased police operations will almost certainly continue in greater Port-au-Prince over the coming weeks until the criminal activity returns to normal levels. Localized exchanges of gunfire, as well as transport and business disruption, could occur with little-to-no warning during any operations that security forces may launch. Gang activity and violent attacks could target both security forces and civilians.

Advice

Exercise heightened personal vigilance until the situation stabilizes; keep away from areas known to be affected by recent increases in criminal activity and refrain from non-essential travel after dark. Avoid areas where police or other security forces appear to be deploying. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Update and review contingency plans. Reconfirm the status of public transport before departure. Plan accordingly for possible transportation disruptions. Leave the area immediately if violence breaks out. Monitor local media for information regarding road closures.