Haiti: Gang violence cuts off access to Port-au-Prince's port as of Sept. 27; security problems likely nationwide through at least late October /update 21

Caribbean Port Services (CPS) have announced they are closing land access to the main port in Port-au-Prince until at least Sept. 29 amid ongoing gang violence in the area. The closure is intended to help security forces to regain control of the area. On Sept. 26, gang members broke into the port and looted containers. On Sept. 10, armed civilians kidnapped two Filipino sailors from their ship in port. Reports indicate that gang members have shot at nearby vessels in recent days.

Gang violence and heightened security measures will likely continue nationwide, especially in Port-au-Prince, through at least late October. Further clashes involving suspects and security forces are likely as the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission focuses on securing key transport and government infrastructure in the coming weeks. This will likely include areas in and around Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP), seaports, the Presidential Palace, and highways connecting Port-au-Prince with the rest of the country. Attacks targeting officials or government buildings remain possible.

A nationwide state of emergency (SoE) has been in effect since early September. This was prompted by an attack on the Peligre hydroelectric power plant, which led to significant electricity outages since Sept. 2. Reports suggest that around a million people have been affected in Port-au-Prince. The attack on the plant reportedly happened amidst protests denouncing frequent power outages. The SoE measure grants wide-ranging powers to officials, and gatherings considered subversive or a threat to public order are prohibited.

On Aug. 27, MSS forces and Haitian National Police (PNH) officers conducted a major joint operation in the Solino and Bel Air areas of Port-au-Prince. According to local media reports, 18 suspects were killed and three PNH officers injured in armed clashes. Additional operations focusing on key areas of the capital are likely to continue in the coming weeks.

Homicides, looting, and arson are highly likely to continue affecting multiple areas, especially in the Ouest and Artibonite departments. The country continues to record high levels of violence. According to the UN, at least 1,379 people were killed or injured, and 428 were kidnapped between April 1 and June 30; a rise in kidnappings has been noted in Artibonite Department during this period. Additionally, multiple organizations in Haiti have reported that gender-based violence is on the rise, especially in the capital.

The port closure will likely cause further business disruptions and supply shortages for Port-au-Prince, as most goods transit through the port.

Recent political and security developments and rising prices for essential goods will likely trigger further demonstrations, especially in central areas of the capital and other urban centers nationwide. Protest activity can exacerbate food, fuel, and medical supply shortages.

Air Travel Disruptions

Flight disruptions remain possible at Haitian airports, 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 multiple weeks. Further criminal activity disrupting the airports' operations are possible.