Governments around the world have reissued “do not travel” warnings about Haiti, amid a worsening national security situation in the Caribbean republic.
Armed gang uprising
The country has been rocked since early March by an armed gang rebellion by leader Jimmy Chérizier, aka Barbecue, who has blockaded government buildings, attacked police stations and airports, and broken inmates out of jail.
Chérizier promised at least a temporary end to the rebellion, as long as the country’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigned. When that happened on 11 March however, the violence continued. A state of emergency is now in place until 3 April and a curfew is being implemented between 6:00 pm and 5:00 am.
“Unpredictable and dangerous”
Among the countries advising against travel to Haiti are: Canada, Ireland, the UK, and the US, whose Embassy in Haiti called the security situation there “unpredictable and dangerous.” Non-essential staff have been evacuated from EU and US embassies.
Travel is de facto suspended in any case as airports are closed, with operators such as JetBlue and American Airlines yet to announce when flights to Haiti will recommence. One international port is also closed. Cruise operators are yet to announce any adjusted itineraries.
The US State Department noted in an alert released on 10 March that “there are few or no commercial options to depart Haiti safely at this time. As they become available, we urge US citizens to take advantage of them.”
“Shelter in place”
As a result of the lack of escape options, US citizens should “shelter in place” the release said, pointing those in need of help to the US embassy in Port-Au-Prince. The Canadian embassy there is closed.
UK citizens meanwhile are advised to approach the embassy in Santo Domingo, in the neighbouring Dominican Republic. And Irish citizens should contact their embassy in Washington DC.
Violent kidnappings
The US security alert level for Haiti stands at four, which signifies “do not travel”. This is not new. It has been in place since summer 2023. But the political insurgency is an opportunity to remind travellers that violent crime is frequent in Haiti, with kidnappings a particular threat.
“Kidnapping is widespread, and victims regularly include U.S. citizens,” the State Department said. “Kidnappers may use sophisticated planning or take advantage of unplanned opportunities, and even convoys have been attacked.”
The alert highlighted that attacks sometimes target people “shortly after leaving the Port-au-Prince international airport” while “robbers and carjackers also attack private vehicles stuck in heavy traffic congestion and often target lone drivers, particularly women.”
Immigration influx
Meanwhile Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has focused on a different perception of the insurgency and its threat to the US. He sent “over 250 additional officers and soldiers and over a dozen air and sea craft to the southern coast of Florida to protect our state,” he told press.
“We cannot have illegal aliens coming to Florida,” DeSantis said.
