Haiti: Violent gang activity likely to continue to contribute to insecurity in parts of the country through mid-December

Event

The elevated threats of violent crime and civil unrest will likely continue to fuel general insecurity in Haiti, especially in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, over the coming weeks and months. Gangs have been expanding their control over parts of the capital and their presence in some key routes around Haiti has often created problems for the delivery of essential supplies and continues to pose a high threat for overland travel. Major violence, including kidnappings, supply shortages, and political uncertainty are likely to remain triggers for civil unrest.

Violent Crime and Kidnappings
Gangs are responsible for much of the insecurity in the capital and along key highways in the country. In the most recent notable incident, a gang known as 400 Mawozo kidnapped 17 foreign nationals, including one Canadian and 16 US nationals, in the Croix-des-Bouquets area. According to a United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) report, in the first eight months of 2021, 328 kidnappings were reported to the police compared to 234 kidnappings in the whole of 2020. Certain NGOs in the country estimate that almost 800 kidnappings happened thus far in 2021, given that most cases go unreported. Gender-based violence is also severely underreported in the country and it remains difficult to establish if it has also increased.

The security situation has been gradually worsening in 2021, especially following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July, as gangs have continued to expand control within the capital and its surroundings amid the political crisis. Gangs also continue to exert control over several parts of Route Nationale 2. The growing power of criminal groups was highlighted when authorities agreed to a truce with gangs to allow aid to flow from the capital to the southwestern parts of the country affected by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in mid-August. The truce was short-lived and did not result in any lasting improvements to the security situation.

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

Localized exchanges of gunfire, as well as transport and business disruptions, have been occurring with little-to-no warning. Gang activity and violent attacks target both security forces and civilians.

Fuel Shortages
While fuel shortages are not new in Haiti, gang activity has exacerbated the problem significantly in recent months. In late October, one of the country's most powerful gangs, known as G9, called for the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry in exchange for allowing access to the fuel terminals and facilitating fuel distribution throughout the country. Other gangs are also demanding payments to allow the transportation of basic supplies.

Reports indicate most gas stations have run out of fuel in Port-au-Prince and in provincial capitals. Some hospitals may have trouble continuing to provide services if the shortages continue over the coming days. Hospitals and other businesses rely on fuel to power generators. The scarcity of fuel has also posed challenges for businesses relying on the transportation of goods.

Civil Unrest
Different activist groups and social movements are likely to continue to stage sporadic, planned, and unannounced anti-government protests and strikes, especially in Port-au-Prince and other urban centers through at least the end of December. Although the threat of civil unrest in Haiti is already elevated, the country is periodically affected by spikes in protest activity against the government. Flare-ups in the unrest can occur with little to no notice and recent grievances over increasing violence and recurring shortages of basic supplies such as fuel and food, combined with the current political uncertainty, are triggering a new wave of unrest.

Truck drivers have been striking in October due to continuing fuel shortages and fear of driving along the country's highways due to the risk of kidnappings and violent gang attacks. Several protests were reported in urban centers across Haiti in late October. While most gatherings remained peaceful, clashes occurred in the capital and in Jacmel.

Authorities will likely deploy heightened security to monitor any large protests, especially near government buildings. There is an elevated threat of clashes between police and demonstrators at all anti-government protests. Protesters commonly block roads; even small demonstrations can cause significant disruptions. Protesters could attempt to block the route to Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP), burn vehicles, and vandalize private businesses.

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 nonessential 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. Avoid all protests due to probable violence; shelter in place if unrest occurs nearby. Monitor local media for information regarding protest activity and road closures. Do not attempt to pass through roadblocks; wait for authorities to remove them.