Haiti: Gang-related insecurity and unrest likely to affect much of the country through at least early June /update 13

Event

Insecurity will likely persist across much of Haiti through at least early June. Heavily armed gangs will likely continue affecting businesses, especially in Port-au-Prince and its surrounding areas, generating significant operational challenges. While the international community has, for the time being, ruled out an intervention in Haiti, the Haitian National Police (Police Nationale d'Haiti, PNH) has been receiving significant foreign financial investments to help fight gangs. Haiti's political, security, and socioeconomic issues will probably continue to trigger protests in the coming months.

Violent Crime and Kidnappings
Gang activity and violent attacks will likely continue targeting security forces and civilians nationwide. Police may carry out anti-gang operations, triggering retaliation attacks, particularly in the most affluent areas in and around the capital. Overall, the security situation will likely continue to deteriorate in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, where gangs continue acting as de facto authorities in many neighborhoods and can directly threaten many organizations.

Kidnapping and hijacking incidents are likely to continue posing a high threat. The risk of kidnappings for foreign nationals is particularly high in the Croix-des-Bouquets area, where the 400 Mawozo gang operates. Extortion also remains a concern as criminal groups often demand payments from those using roads and highways under their control. As such, further fuel shortages remain possible as gangs continue to control key areas around essential infrastructure, such as Varreux Terminal, and have the ability to block access to the terminal. Electricity outages due to fuel shortages have occurred and remain likely.

Areas in and around the capital 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).

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

Civil Unrest and Fuel Shortages
Protests denouncing the rising levels of insecurity, limited access to fuel, and socioeconomic issues are likely to continue posing challenges for businesses operating in Haiti. Significant unrest will probably continue as protesters denounce insecurity and violence, including against the police, and demand the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

Demonstrations against and in favor of Prime Minister Henry's call for foreign military assistance to combat gang activity in the country will likely continue. Any significant announcements regarding plans for foreign involvement in Haiti's security operations will probably trigger unrest. Such protests may also increase the risk for foreign businesses, as demonstrators could mistake private foreign companies for foreign government initiatives.

Authorities will likely deploy heavy security to monitor 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. Demonstrators could attempt to block the route to PAP, burn vehicles, and vandalize private businesses. If police officers join the protests, decreased security around key areas of the capital is possible. Protests in the capital are common in Delmas, Tabarre, Petionville, and Canape-Vert; central areas of Cap-Haitian, Gonaives, Les Cayes, and Jacmel are 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.

Context

Recent United Nations (UN) reports have underlined the rapid deterioration of the security environment in Haiti in recent years. On April 6, an armed group entered Onaville, in the Port-au-Prince area, killing several civilians and setting buildings on fire. Between April 14 and 19, fighting between gangs in the Cite Soleil region of Port-au-Prince killed at least 70 people and injured at least 30; many civilians could not leave their homes for several days. Armed attacks by gang members in Matalas, Cabaret Commune, April 19 killed approximately 30 civilians. Early April 24, police stopped several vans with suspected members of the Kraze Barye gang; a group of civilians seized at least 13 of them before stoning and burning them to death. The Kraze Barye gang had carried out significant violence in the capital's suburbs, including Petionville, in recent weeks.

A UN report also showed how Haiti's kidnapping rate has increased sharply in recent years. While only 89 cases were reported in 2019, at least 1,359 cases occurred in 2022. Criminal groups have increasingly turned toward kidnapping foreign nationals, especially those in the capital's downtown area and on highways. There have been at least 260 reports of kidnappings as of March 2023. On April 15, armed individuals kidnapped the Vice Consul of St. Kitts and Nevis and his two associates from his vehicular convoy.

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 diplomatic representations. 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.