Haiti: Gang-related insecurity likely to affect much of the country through at least late July /update 14

Event

Insecurity will likely persist across much of Haiti through at least late July. Armed gangs are likely to continue affecting businesses in Port-au-Prince, generating significant operational challenges. Recent reports also demonstrate increasing levels of criminal activity outside Port-au-Prince. However, data from recent weeks suggest most of the violence in the country remains within the Ouest Department, affecting areas around the capital, such as Croix-des-Bouquets commune. The area of Petionville, a suburb in southern Port-au-Prince, has also recorded high levels of violence, with at least 34 killings recorded in May, according to the Organization of Citizens for a New Haiti (OCNH).

Growing frustration with high levels of violence and the police's inability to fight gangs in the capital has led to the rise of self-defense efforts in local communities. Dozens of suspected gang members were killed by local vigilante movements in the capital since late April, and additional casualties are possible in the coming weeks. While some reports have indicated a decrease in gang activity in areas with self-defense groups, this effect is unlikely to be long-lasting and gang retaliation attacks are possible. Haiti's political and socioeconomic issues will also 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. Clashes between civilian vigilante groups and gangs are likely to continue in the coming months. As police continue to carry out anti-gang operations, retaliation attacks are also likely. 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 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. 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, according to a UN report. Criminal groups have increasingly turned toward kidnapping foreign nationals, especially those in the capital's downtown area and on highways.

Extortion 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 demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry also remains possible. Any significant announcements regarding plans for foreign involvement in Haiti's security operations can also 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 significantly 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 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.