01 Jul 2021 | 08:16 PM UTC
Haiti: Protests possible in Port-au-Prince through early July
Protests possible in Port-au-Prince through early July after shootings that killed 15 people June 29; related disruptions, clashes possible.
Event
Protests are possible in Port-au-Prince and elsewhere in the country through early July following shooting incidents that reportedly killed 15 civilians in the capital's neighborhoods of Delmas 32 and Christ Roi late June 29. A journalist and a political activist were among those killed in the shootings, which were allegedly carried out by members of Fantom 509. The US Embassy in Haiti issued a security alert on June 30 indicating that protesters had gathered and burned barricades in the Delmas 32, Delmas 33, and Christ Roi areas of the capital.
Heightened security is likely at all protests. Associated clashes between protesters and security forces are possible, especially if demonstrators are unruly or if they ignore police orders to disperse. Ground travel disruptions are likely near any protests and security force deployments.
Context
The shooting incidents June 29 and protest activity June 30 come amid an increase in gang activity and associated violence in Port-au-Prince; gang violence is of particular concern in the areas of Delmas, Laboule 12, Cite Soleil, Martissant, Bel Air, Toussant Brave, and Fontamara.
Haiti's National Police have claimed that the shooting incidents June 29 were perpetrated by allies of slain police officer Guerby Geffrard, known collectively as Fantom 509; however, no evidence was immediately presented to support this claim.
Fantom 509 is an organization mainly comprised of disaffected former and current police officers. The group is known for committing violent actions in Port-au-Prince.
Advice
Avoid all protests; shelter in place if unrest materializes nearby. Monitor local media for information regarding protest activity and road closures. Do not attempt to pass through roadblocks; wait for authorities to remove them. Confirm all business appointments. Exercise heightened personal vigilance until the situation stabilizes; keep away from areas known to be affected by recent increases in criminal activity and refrain from nonessential travel after dark.
