Haiti: Gang-related insecurity likely to affect much of country through at least late May /update 4

Event

Insecurity and protests are likely to persist across Haiti through at least late May. The security situation to the north of the capital, Port-au-Prince, continues to deteriorate as rival gangs fight for control over northern neighborhoods. The threat in the country remains elevated due to frequent kidnappings and violent territorial disputes between rival criminal groups. The worsening security situation and socio-economic issues are likely to trigger disruptive protests in urban centers, especially in the capital.

Violent Crime and Kidnappings
In late April, the security situation deteriorated significantly in several neighborhoods located in northern Port-au-Prince. Several armed confrontations have been reported between rival gangs, especially 400 Mawozo and Chen Mechan, as the two criminal groups fight for territory. Gang-related violence reportedly killed 20 people April 24-27. Residents of affected neighborhoods, including Butte Boyer, Croix-des-Missions, Marecage, and Mapou, have fled the area. The areas most affected by gang violence in late April are located close to Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) and to Route Nationale 1 and Route Nationale 3. Therefore, the presence of gangs in these areas is likely to continue increasing the risk of overland travel around PAP and between the capital and its northern and eastern regions.

Kidnapping incidents have also increasingly affected northern areas near PAP in Port-au-Prince. For instance, the Tabarre neighborhood, where the US embassy is located, has registered an uptick in kidnappings with heavily armed individuals targeting influential individuals in the area in March. Additional security operations are likely in northern areas of the capital in the coming weeks and could lead to further violence and traffic and business disruptions.

Exchanges of gunfire and transport and business disruptions continue to occur throughout Haiti with little-to-no warning. Gang activity and violent attacks target both security forces and civilians. Areas in and around the capital that are the most severely affected by violent crime include Carrefour, Drouillard, Champs-de-Mars, Croix-des-Bouquets, Laboule 12, Cite Soleil, Martissant, Bel Air, Toussaint Brave, Bas-Delmas, Santo, Torcelle, and Fontamara. Shooting incidents along the airport road are common and can affect travelers going to and from PAP. The neighborhood of Martissant continues to be one of the most violent in the capital, making travel through Route Nationale 2 subject to high risk.

The Center for Analysis and Research on Human Rights (Centre d'Analyse et de Recherche en Droits de l'Homme, CARDH), a nonprofit Haitian civil society organization, recorded over 1,000 kidnappings in Haiti in 2021, representing a roughly 25 percent increase in comparison to the previous year. While only 81 of the cases recorded in 2021 involved foreign nationals, kidnapping incidents targeting foreigners remain a high-profile threat. Gangs are responsible for most kidnappings. As they continue to dominate areas of the capital and key highways in the country, the threat is likely to continue to increase for both Haitians and foreign nationals through at least mid-2022.

Gender-based violence in Haiti remains severely underreported, and it is difficult to establish if the number of such incidents increased in 2021. However, nongovernmental organizations warn that these crimes pose a significant threat countrywide.

Civil Unrest and Fuel Shortages
Various activist groups and social movements will likely continue to stage sporadic, planned, and unannounced protests and strikes through at least late May, especially in Haiti's main urban centers. The deteriorating security situation and social and economic grievances are also likely to trigger protests in the country, especially in Port-au-Prince, as the cost of living continues to rise. Authorities will likely deploy to monitor any large demonstrations, especially near government buildings or key highways and roads. There is an elevated threat of clashes between police and demonstrators at all anti-government protests. Protesters commonly block roads, and even small demonstrations can cause significant disruptions. Protesters could attempt to block the route to PAP, burn vehicles, and vandalize private businesses.

The threat of further significant fuel shortages and essential supplies also persists nationwide. Gang activity has exacerbated nationwide fuel shortages in recent months as criminal groups often demand payments for the transportation of basic supplies in areas under their effective control. With criminal groups still controlling several parts of Route Nationale 2, southern parts of the country remain particularly vulnerable to shortages.

Advice

Exercise heightened personal vigilance in Haiti. Keep away from areas most severely affected by 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. Plan for possible transport disruptions; reconfirm the status of public transport before departure. 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.