Haiti’s neighboring nations are taking defensive measures and recalling embassy staff as a gang conflict in the Caribbean nation intensifies, leading to thousands fleeing fresh fighting. The de facto government of Haiti declared a 72-hour state of emergency and imposed nightly curfews after armed men orchestrated a massive prison break, and a gang leader called for the ousting of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. The Dominican Republic, sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, is reinforcing its borders, and the president has ruled out opening refugee camps for Haitians in the country.
Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s whereabouts raised doubts as violence erupted, with reports suggesting he was in Kenya, finalizing a deal for the African nation to lead an international force against powerful gangs. Heavy gunfire near Port-au-Prince’s international airport added to the chaos. The United States advised its citizens to leave Haiti promptly, expressing belief that Prime Minister Henry was returning. Brazil called on the international community to implement the U.N.’s resolution for a multinational force in Haiti, as Brazil had led a U.N. peace mission to the country from 2004 to 2017.
Neighboring countries like the Bahamas recalled embassy staff, leaving only essential personnel, and Mexico advised its nationals to limit themselves to essential transit and stock up on essentials. Gangs warned residents around Port-au-Prince to keep children home, while the International Organization for Migration reported an estimated 15,000 people fleeing gunfire in the capital in just three days. The situation forced aid groups to pause their work due to security concerns.
The International Rescue Committee called for a faster international response, criticizing delays in implementing necessary measures. The United Nations had ratified a plan last October to send an international force based on voluntary contributions from member states, aiming to assist Haitian police in restoring security. However, a deployment date is yet to be set, with only five nations formally pledging troops and limited funds deposited in the UN’s account. Haiti’s national police face challenges as they are poorly resourced and engage in deadly clashes with well-armed gangs, mainly trafficking assault weapons from the United States. Aid groups emphasize the need for securing routes to provide essential services amid the crisis.
