15 Dec 2024 | 11:33 PM UTC
Haiti: Gang-perpetrated violence, travel disruptions likely to persist nationwide through at least late-December /update 26
Gang-driven violence, travel disruptions likely to persist in Haiti through at least late-December.
Gang violence is likely to persist, causing significant travel disruptions in Haiti, particularly in and around the capital, Port-au-Prince, through at least late December. Clashes between gangs and police continue in several suburban areas of the capital. On the morning of Dec. 15, sustained gunfire was reported in Poste Marchand and surrounding areas, as armed gangs affiliated with the Viv Ansanm Coalition reportedly attacked Poste Marchand, Nazon, Delmas 19, and Poupelard Avenue. The attack injured several residents and set St. Anthony Church on fire. Authorities deployed forces, repelled the attack, and reportedly killed several gang members, including the Viv Ansanm Coalition's second-in-command, Kendy, AKA "Jeff Mafia," though Haitian authorities have yet to confirm this. Armed clashes and arson attacks have intensified in recent weeks in areas like Solino, Nazon, Delmas, Tabarre, and Christ-Roi, with residents blocking multiple roads to protect their neighborhoods from gang attacks, disrupting traffic. As gang violence overwhelms security forces, local vigilante groups are expected to become more active in the coming days. Since late November, reports estimate nearly 200 people have been killed, 92 injured, and over 40,000 displaced due to the violence. These numbers will almost certainly rise over the coming days and weeks.
Groups of displaced residents and civilians denouncing growing levels of insecurity and political instability are likely to gather in the capital, especially outside government buildings in Port-au-Prince and other urban centers. Multiple schools are likely to remain closed in the coming days in areas affected by violence, and businesses are also likely to limit or temporarily suspend operations. For instance, Doctors Without Borders (Medecins sans Frontieres, MSF) has suspended all operations in Port-au-Prince, also denouncing growing police violence and the growing overall threat to staff. Long queues at gas stations have been 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.
Clashes involving gangs and security forces are anticipated in the capital in the coming weeks. Further violence and severe 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.
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. Multiple air travel restrictions have also been implemented after three commercial aircraft were struck by gunfire near PAP on Nov. 11.
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. Only around 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.
