Haiti: Significant spike in gang violence likely to continue in parts of greater Port-au-Prince through at least late October /update 1

Event

Another spike in violent crime has been recorded in Port-au-Prince since the beginning of September and will likely continue to pose an elevated security threat in parts of the metropolitan area through at least late October. 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 since June.

On Sept. 9, the US Embassy in Haiti issued a security alert warning of an increase in violent gang activity and kidnappings in multiple neighborhoods of the capital. Most abductions for ransom have targeted locals; however, there is a significant risk to foreign nationals in the country.

Areas that have been most affected by the uptick in violent crime in recent months include Carrefour Drouillard, Champs-de-Mars, Croix-des-Bouquets, Laboule 12, Cite Soleil, Martissant, Bel Air, Toussant Brave, Bas-Delmas, Santo, Torcelle, and Fontamara. Additionally, several shooting incidents have been recorded along Airport Road, which may affect travelers going to and from Port-au-Prince-Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP). Several businesses in the vicinity of PAP have closed temporarily due to such incidents.

Gangs continue to exert control over several parts of the capital, including key routes around greater Port-au-Prince. Sections of Route Nationale 2 near the Martissant neighborhood were blocked by gangs for at least two months before a truce was agreed with gang leaders to allow aid workers to reach southwestern areas affected by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake and Tropical Storm Grace in mid-August. However, the agreement is not expected to have a long term impact on the security situation. Despite the truce, aid vehicles have been looted and heavily armed gang members continue to monitor traffic along main roads surrounding the capital. The presence of gangs has also disrupted the distribution of fuel in parts of greater Port-au-Prince.

Increased police operations will almost certainly continue in and around the capital over the coming weeks until criminal activity returns to normal levels. Localized exchanges of gunfire, as well as transport and business disruptions, 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 transport disruptions. Leave the area immediately if violence breaks out. Monitor local media for information regarding road closures.