Haiti: Officials announce nationwide state of emergency through at least Jan. 21 due to gang violence /update 27

The government of Haiti has imposed a nationwide state of emergency (SoE) until at least Jan. 21 in response to growing levels of gang violence in Port-au-Prince and several other areas of the country; the violence is especially pervasive around the nation's capital and parts of the Artibonite Department. Authorities are also using the SoE as part of an effort to ease food insecurity in the country. The government plans to reinforce security in strategic locations and bolster aid to the agricultural sector. Nevertheless, gang violence will almost certainly continue, likely also causing further disruptions to transport and medical services.

Multiple violent incidents have been reported throughout December. On the night of Dec. 16, gangs set on fire to the Bernard Mevs Hospital in Port-au-Prince, partially destroying it. No casualties were reported in the incident, as the hospital had already been evacuated due to gang threats. However, this has further reduced the availability of medical assistance in the capital, especially after Doctors Without Borders (Medecins sans Frontieres, MSF) suspended operations in Port-au-Prince due to safety concerns. On the morning of Dec. 15, sustained gunfire was reported as members of the Viv Ansanm gang coalition reportedly attacked multiple areas, including Poste Marchand, Nazon, Delmas 19, and Poupelard Avenue. The attack injured several residents and gang members, with multiple structures being set on fire. Security forces reportedly killed several gang members while repulsing the attack.

Armed clashes and arson attacks have intensified in recent months in parts of Port-au-Prince, such as Solino, Nazon, Delmas, Tabarre, Petion-Ville, and Christ-Roi; residents will likely continue blocking roads to protect their neighborhoods from gang attacks. As gang violence overwhelms security forces, local vigilante groups will probably become more active. Groups of displaced residents and civilians denouncing growing levels of insecurity and political instability could also stage protests, especially outside government buildings in Port-au-Prince and other urban centers. Schools and businesses will likely face disruptions or temporarily close in areas affected by violence. Attacks may also prompt shortages of basic goods, including fuel.

Air Travel
The Haitian government has reopened Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) in Port-au-Prince; however, international flights remain canceled indefinitely and are unlikely to resume until at least early 2025. The US government has prohibited US-flagged aircraft from operating out of PAP through at least March 12, 2025, and it may extend the prohibition. Other governments have issued similar bans. Several international airlines that used to operate in Haiti, including American Airlines and Spirit Airlines (NK), have canceled their flights to the country until further notice and are unlikely to resume operations in 2024.

PAP reopened on Dec. 11 after after a month-long closure when gangs seized control of the surrounding area and fired at aircraft attempting to land at or depart the facility. Several bullets struck Spirit Airlines flight 951 as it attempted to land at PAP, injuring one flight attendant, and an inspection of JetBlue (B6) flight 935 from PAP to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) revealed bullet damage apparently sustained upon takeoff.