26 Jun 2024 | 04:49 AM UTC
Haiti: Kenyan police deployed in Port-au-Prince as of June 25; violence, heightened security measures likely to continue through at least late July /update 18
Kenyan police deployed to Haiti as of June 25. Gang violence, heightened security measures likely to continue through at least late July.
As of late June 25, the first contingent of approximately 400 Kenyan armed police officers has arrived in Port-au-Prince as part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission; increased security operations involving the MSS are likely in Port-au-Prince in the coming days. Reports suggest that initial Kenyan security operations will focus on critical transport and government infrastructure, such as Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP), the seaport, the Presidential Palace, and highways connecting Port-au-Prince with the rest of the country.
The Kenyan-led MSS plans to eventually deploy approximately 2,500 security officers from Kenya, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Chad, and Jamaica to curtail gang violence and help stabilize Haiti's volatile political situation. This security deployment occurs while the newly established Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) and acting Prime Minister Gary Conille seek to build a framework for elections.
Gang violence will likely continue in Haiti, especially in Port-au-Prince, through at least late July. Violent criminal activity, including murders, looting, and arson attacks, have occurred in various areas of Port-au-Prince in recent weeks.
Officials will probably 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 occurred. Attacks targeting officials or government buildings remain possible. The recent political and security developments and rising prices for essential goods may also trigger further demonstrations, especially in central areas of the capital and other urban centers nationwide.
Food, fuel, and medical supply shortages will likely persist in the coming weeks as port and airport disruptions continue.
Air Travel Disruptions
Flight disruptions remain possible at airports in Haiti, especially at PAP and Cap-Haitien International Airport (CAP). Commercial flights have resumed via PAP after severe gang violence forced the airport to close for almost three months. 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.
Local reports suggest officials extended the state of emergency (SoE) in the Ouest Department for another month from May 8; however, the government has yet to publish any further official extension since of May 22. Additionally, a nightly 19:00-06:00 curfew in the department expired May 3; officials may reimpose the measure as gangs continue to overwhelm the Haitian National Police (Police Nationale d'Haiti, PNH).
The CPT took over April 25 following the official resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry. The newly installed council is 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 nonessential 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.
