Haiti: Gang-related insecurity and unrest likely to affect much of the country through at least late February /update 10

Event

Insecurity and protests are likely to persist across much of Haiti through at least late February, especially in the Metropolitan Area of Port-au-Prince. Gang activity and protests will likely continue affecting businesses in urban centers and generating critical operational challenges. On Jan. 28, the Haitian National Police (PNH) announced that a security operation, named "Tornado 1", will be launched to combat gangs in Port-au-Prince; details about the operation remain mostly unclear. The announcement follows multiple protests in the capital and other cities to protest deadly attacks on security forces. In Port-au-Prince, former and current members of the PNH joined riots and claimed that authorities lacked the capability to fight criminal groups and denounced inaction from the government. Other security and socio-economic issues are also likely to continue in the capital and major cities.

Violent Crime and Kidnappings
Gang activity and violent attacks continue targeting security forces and civilians nationwide. The security situation will likely continue to deteriorate in the Metropolitan Area of Port-au-Prince, where gangs continue acting as de facto authorities in many neighborhoods and can directly threaten many organizations. As violence escalates in the capital, Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres, MSF) announced the suspension of activities at the Raoul Pierre Louis Hospital. The organization has ceased operations at the hospital after armed individuals entered the hospital, located in the Carrefour area of the capital, and executed a patient that was being treated at the facility on Jan. 26. Such attacks have increasingly been affecting medical organizations and have been posing a growing risk for medical staff and patients.

Kidnapping and hijacking incidents are likely to continue posing a high threat. The risk of kidnappings for foreign nationals is particularly high in the Croix-des-Bouquets area, where the 400 Mawozo gang operates. In late January, alleged gang members hijacked a Dominican company Capital Coach Line bus in Croix-des-Bouquets’ Morne à Cabrit area and kidnapped at least 28 passengers. As gangs expand their influence along key highways in the country, the threat of kidnapping will likely continue to increase. Criminal groups often also demand payments for the transportation of basic supplies or completely block overland travel in areas under their effective control.

Areas in and around the capital that are the most severely affected by violent crime include Carrefour, Drouillard, Champs-de-Mars, Croix-des-Bouquets, Laboule 12, Cite Soleil, Martissant, Bel Air, Toussaint Brave, Bas-Delmas, Santo, Torcelle, and Fontamara. Shooting incidents along the Airport Road are common and can affect travelers going to and from the Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP).

Fuel shortages continue to be a concern nationwide. In some regions, financial and security factors decrease profit margins and make fuel deliveries unviable. Gangs also continue to control key areas around essential infrastructure, such as Varreux Terminal; the country remains subject to severe fuel shortages if gangs block access to the terminal. Businesses may struggle to access enough diesel to power electricity generators and get or provide deliveries.

Gender-based violence, including rape, remains severely underreported nationwide. However, several international organizations, including the UN, warn that these crimes pose a significant threat, especially in poor areas dominated by gangs.

Civil Unrest and Fuel Shortages
Protests denouncing the rising levels of insecurity, limited access to fuel, and socio-economic issues are likely to continue posing challenges for businesses operating in Haiti. Significant unrest is likely to continue as protesters denounce insecurity and violence, including against the police, and demand the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. In Port-au-Prince, former and current police officers participated in violent protests in late January and claimed to lack appropriate weapons to face the country's gangs.

Protests in opposition to Prime Minister Ariel Henry's call for foreign military assistance to combat gang activity in the country are likely. Any significant announcements regarding foreign involvement plans in Haiti's security operations are likely to trigger unrest. Such protests may also increase the risk for foreign businesses, as demonstrators could mistake private foreign companies for foreign government initiatives.

Authorities are likely to deploy heavy security to monitor large demonstrations, especially near government buildings or key highways and roads. There is an elevated threat of clashes between police and demonstrators at all anti-government protests. Protesters commonly block roads, and even small demonstrations can cause significant disruptions. Protesters could attempt to block the route to PAP, burn vehicles, and vandalize private businesses. If police officers join the protests, decreased security around key areas of the capital are possible. In the capital, protests are common in Delmas, Tabarre, Petionville, and Canape-Vert; central areas of Cap-Haitian, Gonaives, Les Cayes, and Jacmel are also likely to be affected during nationwide calls for protests. Violent and disruptive protests may increasingly limit the availability of public and private transportation options in Haiti.

Advice

Exercise heightened personal vigilance in Haiti. Keep away from areas most severely affected by criminal activity and refrain from nonessential travel after dark. Avoid areas where police or other security forces appear to be deploying. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Update and review contingency plans. Plan for possible transport disruptions; reconfirm the status of public transport before departure. Avoid all protests due to probable violence; shelter in place if unrest occurs 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.