The U.S. Embassy in Haiti has made the decision to evacuate some of its personnel from the nation’s capital, Port-au-Prince, due to the escalating gang violence that has been plaguing the city. The embassy released a statement on Sunday, explaining that the “heightened gang violence in the neighborhood near U.S. Embassy compounds and near the airport” was the reason behind this decision. However, it is important to note that the embassy will remain open.
This move comes after armed gangs orchestrated jailbreaks from Haiti’s two largest prisons earlier this month and demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. The situation in Haiti has become increasingly dire, with more than 4,500 inmates escaping, including senior gang leaders. The United Nations has described this jailbreak as a result of “coordinated gang action against national institutions.” The country’s president is no longer in Haiti and is seeking international support for a United Nations-backed security force to intervene.
The capital city of Port-au-Prince has been engulfed in fierce battles for power, leading Haitian authorities to extend a state of emergency and impose a curfew. The international airport and main port are closed, and the national police force is on the verge of collapse. Gangs have targeted and set fire to police stations, exacerbating the already dire situation.
The impact of this violence on the people of Haiti cannot be overstated. Since the beginning of 2024, nearly 1,200 people have been killed and almost 700 others injured in gang-related violence. In 2023, the numbers were even higher, with almost 4,000 people killed and 3,000 kidnapped. Human Rights Watch has warned that Haiti is on the brink of even greater chaos and violence, while CARICOM, a regional bloc that includes Haiti, has described the situation as dire.
The crisis in Haiti extends beyond just political and economic turmoil; it is also fueling a humanitarian emergency. The UN has stated that the health system is on the verge of collapse, with hospitals lacking the capacity to treat those with gunshot wounds. Schools and businesses are closed, and gangs are increasingly using children. Additionally, access to drinkable water is running out, and over 313,000 people have been internally displaced.
The situation in Haiti is so dire that influential gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, also known as Barbecue, warned that if Prime Minister Ariel Henry does not resign and if the international community continues to support him, the country will head towards a civil war that could lead to genocide.
The U.S. State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating that the political crisis, escalating violence, and civil unrest in Haiti have created an untenable situation that threatens the citizens and security of the country.
Overall, Haiti is facing a multifaceted crisis that requires urgent attention and international support. The escalating gang violence, political instability, collapsing institutions, and dire humanitarian conditions have pushed the country to the brink. Immediate action is needed to prevent further chaos and suffering in Haiti.
