Haiti: Gang-related insecurity likely to continue affecting much of the country through at least mid-September /update 15

Event

Insecurity will likely persist across much of Haiti through at least mid-September, generating significant operational challenges for businesses operating in the country. Levels of criminal activity have been increasing in areas outside Port-au-Prince, particularly in Ouest Department and Artibonite Department. Within the capital, high levels of violence in the Tabarre neighborhood, near the US Embassy, have been generating concerns and limited business operations for several days in late July. After several days of gang-related violence in the area, the US Department of State ordered the departure of its employees and family members on July 27 due to the "current security situation and infrastructure challenges."

Self-defense efforts in local communities are continuing, with the UN estimating that killings associated with such groups have reached around 260 between April and July. In the coming weeks, local vigilante movements in the capital will likely continue to target suspected gang members; gang retaliation attacks remain possible. Vigilante movements have also grown in locations such as Liancourt, Artibonite Department, due to increasing levels of gang violence and extremely low police presence.

While talks of a multinational peacekeeping force being deployed to Haiti to support the Haitian National Police (Police Nationale d'Haiti, PNH) have continued, several aspects of this mission remain undefined, especially regarding its scale and leadership. Kenyan Foreign Minister Alfred Mutua said on July 29 that the country will consider leading the peacekeeping force and deploy 1,000 officers to Haiti. However, this decision must still go through the UN Security Council and be approved by Kenya's government. Discussions regarding the multinational peacekeeping efforts in the country will likely continue in the coming months.

Violent Crime and Kidnappings
Gang activity and violent attacks will likely continue targeting security forces and civilians nationwide. Clashes between civilian vigilante groups and gangs are likely to continue in the coming months. As police continue to carry out anti-gang operations, retaliation attacks are also likely. 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 organizations.

Kidnapping and hijacking incidents continue to pose 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. Haiti's kidnapping rate remains high, with at least 271 reported kidnappings January-June. The rate is still far superior to the 89 cases reported in 2019 but shows some improvement in relation to the 1,359 cases registered in 2022. Criminal groups have increasingly turned toward kidnapping foreign nationals, especially those in the capital's downtown area and on highways.

Extortion remains a concern as criminal groups often demand payments from those using roads and highways under their control. 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. Electricity outages due to fuel shortages have occurred and remain likely.

Areas in and around the capital 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
Protests denouncing the rising levels of insecurity, limited access to fuel, and socioeconomic issues are likely to continue posing challenges for businesses operating in Haiti. Significant unrest demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry also remains possible. Any significant announcements regarding plans for foreign involvement in Haiti's security operations can also trigger unrest. Such protests may also increase the risk for foreign businesses, as demonstrators could mistake private foreign companies for foreign government initiatives.

Authorities will likely 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. Protests in the capital are common in Delmas, Tabarre, Petionville, and Canape-Vert; central areas of Cap-Haitian, Gonaives, Les Cayes, and Jacmel are likely to be affected during nationwide calls for protests. Violent and disruptive protests may significantly 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.