16 Nov 2024 | 02:06 PM UTC
Haiti: Unrest and gang-perpetrated violence likely to persist through at least late November /update 24
Unrest and gang-perpetrated violence likely to persist in parts of Haiti, especially Port-au-Prince, through at least late November.
Civil unrest and gang violence are likely in parts of Haiti, especially in and around the capital, through at least late November. In Port-au-Prince, armed clashes and arson attacks have been intensifying in recent days, particularly in the Solino, Nazon, and Christ-Roi neighborhoods, with hundreds of residents being forced to leave the areas. Groups of displaced residents and civilians denouncing growing levels of insecurity and political instability are likely to gather in the capital, particularly outside government buildings in the city. Multiple schools are likely to remain closed in the coming days, and businesses are also likely to limit or temporarily suspend operations due to the threat of gang violence. Long queues at gas stations are being reported in the capital, and shortages of fuel and other vital supplies are possible in the capital and other parts of the country, especially if severe violence continues for several weeks. Incidents of gang violence and civil unrest are also possible in other parts of Haiti, especially in other main urban centers.
Armed clashes have significantly increased in Haiti after the Presidential Transitional Council's (CPT) decision to replace interim Prime Minister Garry Conille with businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aime on Nov. 10. The clashes have prompted disruptions at multiple embassies in the capital, including US and French embassies. In addition to parts of Solino, Nazon, and Christ-Roi, parts of Delmas, Petionville, and Tabarre have also reported more incidents of violence in recent days.
The area around Port-au-Prince Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) remains unstable, and violence is likely. Flight operations at PAP will remain fully suspended through at least Nov. 18 following serious security incidents affecting commercial flights on Nov. 11. US carriers are not operating in Haiti through at least Dec. 12, with few exceptions. Port operations in Port-au-Prince also remain disrupted.
Clashes involving gangs and security forces are anticipated in the capital in the coming weeks. Further violence and serious disruptions are possible in and around PAP, seaports, downtown areas of the capital, and highways connecting Port-au-Prince to the rest of the country. Attacks targeting officials or government buildings remain a possibility.
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.
As the MSS mission ramps up, further deployments are anticipated, with plans to eventually station around 2,500 security personnel from various countries, including Kenya, the Bahamas, and Jamaica, to combat gang violence and stabilize Haiti's political landscape. Approximately 400 Kenyan personnel have already been deployed, with plans for additional Kenyan troops to arrive in December. This international effort coincides with the work of the nine-member CPT, which is striving to establish a framework for elections by early 2026. The CPT took over in April following the resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry and is set to serve a non-renewable term until Feb. 2026.
The UN reports between April and June 2023, at least 1,379 people were killed or injured, and 428 were kidnapped, with a notable increase in kidnappings in the Artibonite Department. Additionally, gender-based violence is reportedly rising, particularly in the capital.
