Haiti: Gang-related insecurity likely to affect much of the country through at least late January /update 9

Event

Insecurity is likely to persist across the country through at least late January, especially in the Metropolitan Area of Port-au-Prince. Gang activity will likely continue affecting businesses in the country and generating critical operational challenges. As authorities lack the capability to fight criminal groups, the country remains highly vulnerable to insecurity and shortages of essential supplies. While protests have generally eased in recent weeks, demonstrations in opposition to plans for a foreign mission in the country and protests denouncing insecurity and socio-economic issues are likely to continue in the capital and major cities.

Violent Crime and Kidnappings
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).

Fuel shortages continue to be a concern nationwide and, in recent weeks, have mostly been affecting the Departments of Nord, Sud, Centre, and Ouest. Reports suggest that shortages in these regions are mainly due to financial and security factors that decrease profit margins and make fuel deliveries unviable. Gangs also continue to control key areas around essential infrastructure, such as Varreux Terminal; the country remains subject to severe fuel shortages if gangs block access to the terminal. Businesses may struggle to access enough diesel to power electricity generators and get or provide deliveries.

Kidnapping and hijacking incidents are likely to continue posing a high threat, especially in and around Port-au-Prince. The risk of kidnappings for foreign nationals is particularly high in the Croix-des-Bouquets area, where the 400 Mawozo gang operates. As gangs expand their influence along key highways in the country, the threat of kidnapping will likely continue to increase. Criminal groups often also demand payments for the transportation of basic supplies or completely block overland travel in areas under their effective control.

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
Protests denouncing the rising levels of insecurity, limited access to fuel, and socio-economic issues are likely to continue posing challenges for businesses operating in Haiti. In addition, further protests in opposition to Prime Minister Ariel Henry's call for foreign military assistance to combat gang activity in the country are likely. Any significant announcements regarding plans of foreign involvement in security operations in Haiti are likely to trigger unrest. Such protests may also increase the risk for foreign businesses, as demonstrators could mistake private foreign companies for foreign government initiatives.

Authorities are likely to 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 common 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.