Haiti: Gang-related insecurity likely to affect much of the country through at least mid-December /update 8

Event

Insecurity is likely to persist across Haiti through at least mid-December, especially in the Metropolitan Area of Port-au-Prince. Gang activity will likely continue to generate critical operational challenges for essential services and businesses. Protests denouncing insecurity and socio-economic issues are likely to continue in the capital and major cities. Any significant announcements regarding plans for a foreign mission in the country will likely trigger protests, especially in the capital, as many Haitians oppose acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry and his request for foreign military help.

Violent Crime and Kidnappings
The threat in the country remains elevated due to frequent incidents of violence involving gangs, as well as kidnappings. Gangs control several areas surrounding some of the country's key infrastructure, such as Varreux Terminal, one of the country's main ports that stores around 70 percent of Haiti's fuel supplies. Criminal groups often demand payments for the transportation of basic supplies or completely block overland travel in areas under their effective control. The country remains subject to severe fuel shortages as gangs are able to block access to the terminal. Businesses may struggle to get access to enough diesel to power electricity generators and get or provide deliveries. As authorities lack the capability to fight criminal groups, the country remains highly vulnerable to insecurity and shortages of essential supplies.

Gang activity and violent attacks target both security forces and civilians nationwide, especially in and around Port-au-Prince. 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 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 continue to increase through at least late 2022.

Insecurity, fuel shortages, and protests have been making it increasingly difficult to carry out overland travel in recent months, especially in and around the capital. In late September, the US embassy urged citizens in the country to "carefully consider the risks of traveling to (or remaining in) Haiti in light of the deteriorating security situation and infrastructure challenges." The warning also mentioned that the ongoing issues could limit access to essential services in an emergency, such as access to banking services, urgent medical care, communication, and internet services.

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
The wave of nationwide unrest that was triggered by Henry's announcement regarding the removal of fuel subsidies, and further announcements that fuel prices would almost double in September has mostly eased as of early November. However, protest activity is likely to remain high due to the rising levels of insecurity, lack of access to fuel, and socio-economic issues, especially in Port-au-Prince, posing major challenges for businesses. In addition, there are likely to be further protests in opposition to President Henry's call for foreign military assistance to combat gang activity in the country. Any significant announcements that indicate that plans of having a foreign country involved in security operations in the country is likely to trigger unrest.

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. In the capital, protests are likely in Delmas, Tabarre, Petionville, and Canape-Vert; central areas of Cap-Haitian, Gonaives, Les Cayes, and Jacmel are also likely to be affected during nationwide calls for protests. Violent and disruptive protests may increasingly limit the availability of public and private transportation options in Haiti.

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.