Haiti: Heightened security, gang violence likely to persist nationwide through at least late October /update 20

Gang violence and heightened security measures will likely continue in Haiti, 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.

The state of emergency (SoE), which was in effect for four departments through at least Sept. 19, has been expanded to cover the entire country from early September. The expansion of the SoE comes after an attack on the Peligre hydroelectric power plant, which has 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. SoE measures were initially imposed on March 3 for the Ouest Department but have since been renewed and expanded several times.

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 1379 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.

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 cannot be ruled out.