Haiti: Gang-related insecurity likely to affect much of country through at least early October /update 6

Event

Insecurity is likely to persist across Haiti through at least early October, especially in the Metropolitan Area of Port-au-Prince, where gangs have increasingly fought for territory in recent weeks. The threat in the country remains elevated due to frequent incidents of violence involving rival gangs, as well as kidnappings. Socio-economic issues, combined with the worsening security context, will likely continue to trigger frequent disruptive protests in the capital and other urban centers.

Violent Crime and Kidnappings
Throughout July, the security situation has continued to deteriorate in the Metropolitan Area of Port-au-Prince. Two of the country's main federations of gangs, the G-PEP and the G9 and Family, have clashed July 8-17 in Cite Soleil, a commune in the north of the capital's metropolitan area. During this period, the United Nations (UN) estimates that more than 200 people were killed and dozens of others were injured. Additionally, the operations at Varreux Terminal, one of the country's main ports, were brought to a complete stop for several days, further exacerbating the country's issues with fuel shortages. As a result, several protests denouncing the rising levels of insecurity and lack of access to fuel materialized in the capital.

While the situation has calmed down significantly in Cite Soleil in late July, there are concerns that gang violence is increasingly affecting central Port-au-Prince. On July 27, armed clashes involving rival gang members and the security forces have been reported near the Interim Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. The cathedral, located on Rue Monseigneur Guilloux, was set on fire by criminals, and prisoners of a nearby prison attempted to escape the facility with no success.

Exchanges of gunfire and associated 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 the Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP).

Kidnapping and hijacking incidents are also likely to continue to increase nationwide, especially in and around Port-au-Prince. Gangs also continue to dominate Route Nationale 2 in the south of the country and several others surrounding the capital. The risk of kidnappings for foreign nationals is particularly high in the Croix-des-Bouquets area, where the 400 Mawozo gang operates. As gangs continue to expand their influence along key highways in the country, the threat of kidnapping will likely increase through at least late 2022.

Gender-based violence, including rape, remains severely underreported nationwide. However, several international organizations, including the UN, warn that these crimes pose a significant threat, especially in poor areas dominated by gangs.

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 early October, especially in Haiti's main urban centers, in response to the deteriorating security situation and social and economic grievances. Authorities will likely deploy heavy security 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 potential for 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 most 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.