Haiti: Increase in gang violence in Port-au-Prince

Event

Clashes between rival gangs are reportedly escalating in the capital Port-au-Prince. On Sunday, April 8, heavy automatic weapon fire was reported in the Portail Léogane area of the Bicentennaire neighborhood near the National Theater. Local media said that the clashes disrupted traffic and businesses in Bicentennaire and Martissant. A Haitian National Police (PNH) official said that a significant police presence has been deployed to the impacted neighborhoods. Further violence is possible in the coming weeks.

Context

Crime rates and social unrest has risen in recent months, particularly since the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) was replaced by the UN Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) in October 2017. MINUJUSTH has fewer resources than MINUSTAH and has been unable to accurately report on criminal incidents in the capital and surrounding areas.

Advice

Individuals in Port-au-Prince, and Haiti more generally, are advised to exercise an increased level of vigilance regarding crime and report any suspicious activity or behavior to the authorities.