U.S. Embassy Urges Americans to Leave Haiti Amid Ongoing Unrest and Political Turmoil
The U.S. Embassy in Haiti has issued a warning to American citizens, urging them to leave the country “as soon as possible” due to the ongoing unrest and political turmoil. In an advisory released on Wednesday, the embassy cited the current security situation and infrastructure challenges as reasons for the urgent departure.
The embassy advised Americans in Haiti to exercise extreme caution while traveling around the country and to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings of people. They also emphasized the importance of turning around and finding a safe area if encountering a roadblock.
This warning comes after the United States evacuated non-emergency government personnel and the family members of diplomats from the embassy in Port-au-Prince, the capital and most populous city of Haiti. The decision to evacuate was made following an influx of Haitians seeking protection from heavy gunfire near the U.S. Embassy.
Haiti has been grappling with gang violence since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. According to The Washington Post, armed gangs have taken control of up to 90 percent of Port-au-Prince, leading to widespread killings, rapes, and displacement of civilians as they vie for territorial control and resources.
In October of last year, Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who replaced Moïse, called for an armed multinational force to address the crisis. However, the call has largely gone unanswered, with the United States deferring to Canada to lead such a force, despite Ottawa’s reluctance. In response, civilians in Haiti have organized armed vigilante groups to combat the gangs.
Last month, Kenya expressed its willingness to lead a multinational force aimed at restoring control to Haitian authorities.
The embassy’s warning emphasized that flight availability is extremely limited, with seats filling up quickly. They advised American citizens to book flights several days or even weeks in advance of departure. American Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit, and domestic carrier Sunrise Airways were listed as airlines servicing Haiti.
As of this week, flight availability was scarce, with tickets on American Airlines for September 6 to Miami selling for almost $2,000.
The situation in Haiti remains volatile, and the U.S. Embassy’s advisory serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for Americans to prioritize their safety and leave the country as soon as possible.
Note: Karen DeYoung contributed to this report.
What specific challenges related to security and infrastructure have been highlighted by the U.S. Embassy in their advisory to Americans in Haiti?
U.S. Embassy in Haiti advises Americans to evacuate amid ongoing unrest and political turmoil. In a recent advisory, the embassy highlighted the volatile security situation and infrastructure challenges as reasons for immediate departure.
The embassy strongly urged Americans in Haiti to exercise extreme caution when moving around the country and to avoid participating in or being present at demonstrations and large gatherings. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of quickly finding a safe area if facing a roadblock.
This warning from the U.S. Embassy follows an escalating wave of protests, violence, and clashes with law enforcement in Haiti. The country has been grappling with political unrest and economic instability for several years, leading to a deteriorating living situation for many Haitians.
In recent weeks, protests have intensified due to growing frustration over inflation, fuel shortages, and allegations of government corruption. Demonstrators have blocked major roads, set vehicles and buildings ablaze, and clashed with police, resulting in multiple casualties and significant property damage.
Given the increasingly unpredictable and dangerous environment, the U.S. Embassy’s call for Americans to leave Haiti as soon as possible is a clear indication of the gravity of the situation. The advisory aims to ensure the safety and well-being of U.S. citizens and provide them with the necessary information to make informed decisions regarding their travel plans.
It is important for American citizens currently in Haiti to remain vigilant, stay informed about the security situation, and follow the guidance provided by the U.S. Embassy. The embassy will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates and assistance to Americans in Haiti as needed.
As the unrest and political turmoil persist in Haiti, it is crucial for all individuals, including U.S. citizens, to prioritize their safety and security by heeding the advice of local authorities and the U.S. Embassy.
Please stay safe and heed the embassy’s warning if you’re in Haiti. Your well-being is of utmost importance.