10 May 2024 | 02:13 PM UTC
Haiti: Gang violence, heightened security measures likely to continue through at least late May /update 17
Gang violence, heightened security measures likely to continue in Haiti through at least late May.
Gang violence and heightened security measures are likely to continue in Haiti, especially in Port-au-Prince, through at least late May.
Gang-related violence and political instability will likely continue to affect the country while the newly-established Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) faces internal disagreements. Despite the CPT's challenges, civilian contractors reportedly arrived in the country in early May to begin constructing living quarters for the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, indicating that deployments are possible in the coming weeks. Gang-related violence, including murders, looting, and arson attacks, took place in the Tabarre, Christ-Roi, Vivy Mitchell, Metivier, Nazon, Solino, Delmas, and Petionville areas, among others in recent weeks.
Officials are likely to maintain increased security measures around key government sites, including the perimeter of the National Palace site in the Champ de Mars area, where multiple gunfights have recently been reported. Attacks targeting officials or government buildings cannot be ruled out. Several gang leaders reportedly voiced their anger regarding being excluded from the process. The recent political and security developments and rising prices for essential goods may also trigger demonstrations, especially in central areas of the capital and other urban centers nationwide.
Local reports suggest the state of emergency (SoE) in the Ouest Department was extended on May 8 for another month; however, no official extension has been published by the government as of May 10. A 19:00-06:00 nightly curfew was also in effect in the department but expired on May 3; officials may still reimpose the curfew as gangs continue to overwhelm the Haitian National Police (Police Nationale d'Haiti, PNH).
The Caribbean Port Services (CPS) maintains its indefinite suspension of operations at the Port-au-Prince International Marine Terminal after gang members breached the facility and looted containers. Further disruptions or blockades affecting Varreux Terminal are also possible. Shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies are likely to persist as port and airport disruptions continue.
Air Travel Disruptions
Flight disruptions will likely continue at airports in Haiti, especially at Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) but also at Cap-Haitien International Airport (CAP). Commercial airlines have suspended flights serving PAP, resulting in limited options for leaving the country. The capital's PAP is unlikely to resume commercial flights until at least mid-May. Haiti-based Sunrise Airways (S6) has already resumed some commercial flight operations via CAP. The Canadian and US governments have advised their citizens not to travel to Haiti and leave as soon as feasible.
Consider deferring travel to Haiti. Avoid areas affected by significant gang violence. Maintain heightened vigilance if operating in the Port-au-Prince area. Prepare for severe 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.
Haiti's security situation began to deteriorate further with a surge in gang violence in late February as Henry traveled to Kenya for negotiations regarding a UN-backed multinational security deployment in the country. The government's SoE and curfew measures did not appear to have improved the security situation in any tangible way, as officials lack the capacity to enforce them. Overall, around 95,000 of the capital's residents were displaced solely between March 8 and April 9; most of these residents had already been displaced due to violence.
Following the official resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry, the CPT was installed on April 25. The newly installed council will be tasked with naming a new cabinet; a date for this remains unclear at this time. The nine-member CPT is also expected to organize elections before ending its non-renewable term in February 2026.
Several diplomatic missions, including those of the US, Canada, Germany, and the EU, have evacuated non-essential staff from Port-au-Prince amid gang violence and political instability. The US embassy remains operational, and the US military has reinforced security at the facility. Other countries may also evacuate their diplomatic staff from Haiti or reinforce their security arrangements depending on the security environment.
