02 May 2024 | 02:46 PM UTC
Haiti: Gang violence, heightened security measures likely to continue through at least mid-May /update 16
Gang violence, heightened security measures likely to continue in Haiti through at least mid-May. Curfew in effect in Ouest Department
Gang violence and heightened security measures are likely to continue in Haiti, especially in Port-au-Prince, through at least mid-May.
Gang-related violence continues to affect multiple areas of the capital after the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) appointed Edgard Leblanc Fils as its Coordinating President on April 30 and former Sports Minister Fritz Belizaire to replace Interim Prime Minister Michael Patrick Boisvert. On May 1-2, gang-related violence was reported in the northern outskirts of Delmas and surrounding areas, such as Nazon, Solino, Delmas 18, and Delmas 24. Officials are likely to maintain increased security measures in the surroundings of key government sites, including the perimeter of the National Palace site and the Champ de Mars area, where multiple gunfights also broke out throughout April.
A state of emergency (SoE) and 19:00-06:00 nightly curfew remain in effect in the Ouest Department through at least May 3; further extensions of these measures are possible as gangs continue to overwhelm the Haitian National Police (Police Nationale d'Haiti, PNH). Public demonstrations are prohibited for the duration of the SoE.
Attacks targeting officials or government buildings cannot be ruled out. Several gang leaders reportedly voiced their anger regarding being excluded from the process. The transition of power may also trigger demonstrations, especially in central areas of the capital and other urban centers nationwide. In recent weeks, gang-related violence, including murders, looting, and arson attacks, took place in the Tabarre, Christ-Roi, Vivy Mitchell, Metivier, and Petionville areas, among others.
The PNH successfully lifted a gang blockade at the Varreux Terminal, which supplies most of the country's oil products, on May 1. The blockade had been halting operations at the port since April 22. However, 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. Shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies are likely to persist as port and airport disruptions continue.
Since March, several diplomatic missions have evacuated non-essential staff from Port-au-Prince amid gang violence and political instability, including those of the US, Canada, Germany, and the EU. 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.
Air Travel Disruptions
Major flight disruptions will likely continue at airports across Haiti, including at Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) and Cap-Haitien International Airport (CAP). Commercial airlines have suspended flights serving PAP, resulting in limited options for leaving the country. The capital's PAP has postponed its reopening for commercial flights through at least May 2; the date may be postponed further at short notice depending on the security situation. As of early May 2, American Airlines (AA) is maintaining plans to resume flights via PAP beginning May 9. Haiti-based Sunrise Airways (S6) has already resumed some commercial flight operations via CAP. The Canadian and US governments have advised their respective citizens not to travel to Haiti and to 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 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. Gang leaders assert that the attacks target government officials, including PNH Chief Frantz Elbe, in an attempt to dissuade Henry from returning to the country.
The SoE has been in place since early March but does not appear to have resulted in any tangible improvement in the security situation, as officials lack the capacity to enforce these measures. 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 previously 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.
