Haiti: Gang-related insecurity and unrest likely to affect much of the country through at least early May /update 12

Event

Insecurity is likely to persist across much of Haiti through at least early May. Heavily armed gangs will likely continue affecting businesses, especially in Port-au-Prince and its surrounding areas, generating significant operational challenges. The Haitian National Police's (PNH) "Tornado 1" security operation that began in early 2023 to combat gangs is continuing. While it seems that the international community has, for the time being, ruled out an intervention in Haiti, the PNH has been receiving significant foreign financial investments to help fight gangs. Recent United Nations (UN) reports have underlined the rapid deterioration of the security environment in Haiti in recent years. Haiti's political, security, and socioeconomic issues are likely to continue to trigger protests in the coming months.

Violent Crime and Kidnappings
Gang activity and violent attacks will likely continue targeting security forces and civilians nationwide. The UN's Integrated Office in Haiti reported a significant resurgence in violence in late March. The press release blamed armed gangs for an increase in “extreme violence” in Port-au-Prince and Departement de l‘Artibonite. The gangs' territorial disputes led to a total of 208 deaths, 168 injuries, and 101 kidnappings in the first two weeks of March.

The Kraze Barye gang caused significant levels of violence in some of the capital's suburbs, including Petionville, in recent weeks. In late March, reports indicate that the group carried out arson and armed attacks, resulting in at least 12 deaths in the areas of Freres, Torcelle, Pernier, and Meyotte. The incidents followed the PNH's announcement that at least 462 arrests had been carried out during operation "Tornado 1" between mid-February and early March. As the police operation continues, gangs may increase retaliation attacks in the most affluent areas in and around the capital. Overall, 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.

Kidnapping and hijacking incidents are likely to continue posing a high threat. A UN report has also shown how the kidnapping rate has increased sharply in recent years. While only 89 cases were reported in 2019, at least 1,359 cases were recorded in 2022, and criminal groups have increasingly turned toward kidnapping foreign nationals, especially those in the downtown area of the capital and on highways. In 2023, around 260 kidnappings have been reported thus far. The risk of kidnappings for foreign nationals is particularly high in the Croix-des-Bouquets area, where the 400 Mawozo gang operates. Extortion also remains a concern as criminal groups often demand payments from those using roads and highways under their control. As such, further fuel shortages remain possible as gangs continue to control key areas around essential infrastructure, such as Varreux Terminal, and have the ability to block access to the terminal.

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).

Gender-based violence, including rape, remains severely underreported nationwide. However, several international organizations, including the UN, warned that these crimes pose a significant threat, especially in low-income 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.

Demonstrations against and in favor of Prime Minister Ariel Henry's call for foreign military assistance to combat gang activity in the country are likely to continue. Any significant announcements regarding plans for foreign involvement 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. Demonstrators 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 is 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 diplomatic representations. 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.