11 Mar 2024 | 09:30 PM UTC
Haiti: Several embassies evacuate staff as gang violence is likely to persist through at least late March /update 5
Several embassies evacuate staff from Haiti as gang is likely to persist through at least late March.
Several embassies have been evacuating staff from Port-au-Prince as gang violence and instability are likely to persist through at least late March. The US and the EU are among those reducing diplomatic activities in the country. The US embassy remains operational as of March 11, and officials reinforced security around the embassy perimeter in the Tabarre area. As the security crisis and political uncertainty persist, several countries may limit their diplomatic activities in Haiti in the coming weeks.
Shortages of essential goods, including food and medicine, are likely in the coming days as the Caribbean Port Services (CPS) has indefinitely ceased operations at the main seaport of Port-au-Prince since March 7. This took place after armed intruders breached and looted the warehouse area of the terminal. The facility is the country's main shipping container terminal, handling the majority of maritime freight that reaches the capital.
The state of emergency (SoE) remains in effect until at least April 3 in Ouest Department. The curfew, which runs between the hours of 18:00-05:00 nightly, remains in force until March 11; the measure can be renewed for periods of 72 hours at a time. Demonstrations are not allowed for the duration of the SoE.
Severe gang violence has been overwhelming security forces and causing major disruptions and instability. Further attempts to take control of Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) are possible. While police officers and soldiers have been able to repel attacks thus far, the gangs could still succeed in their attempts if clashes continue in the coming days. The return of the prime minister to Haiti remains uncertain at this time.
Gang attacks have targeted police facilities, including the police academy, as well as the central bank, the national soccer stadium, and several government buildings. Such acts will likely continue, especially as Haitian National Police (Police Nationale d’Haiti, PNH) officers are largely outnumbered by gangs and seem to focus on protecting a few critical hotspots, such as the airport. Several medical facilities face major challenges to keep operating; it has been reported that some medical staff also fled the capital in the recent spate of violence.
Gang violence will almost certainly continue causing disruptions to ground transport, business operations, diplomatic services, and flight operations at PAP. Multiple airlines have suspended flights to and from PAP due to the unrest.
Avoid areas affected by significant gang violence. Maintain heightened vigilance if operating in Port-au-Prince. Prepare for disruptions to ground transport, flights, business operations, and diplomatic services. Consider making alternative arrangements for time-sensitive travel. Leave the area immediately if violence erupts nearby; if unable to do so, take refuge in a secure building until it is safe to depart. Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and your home government.
The recent escalation in violence began Feb. 29 and worsened during Henry's visit to Kenya for negotiations regarding a UN-backed multinational security deployment in Haiti. Gang leader Jimmy Cherizier claimed that attacks intend to target government officials, including PNH Chief Frantz Elbe, in an attempt to dissuade Henry from returning to the country and to oust his government.
The PNH have been under growing pressure, especially after gangs attacked the National Penitentiary in the capital and a prison facility in Croix-des-Bouquets, freeing around 4,000 inmates on March 2. The G9 gang has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on critical infrastructure, and its leader is demanding the resignation of Henry.
The curfew and SoE measures have been in place since March 3 but appear to have resulted in no improvement in the security situation, as officials lack the capacity to enforce these measures.
Due to the ongoing violence, the US and Canadian governments have urged their citizens to leave Haiti as soon as possible; however, options to do so remain extremely limited.
