The US State Department is coordinating charter flights for American citizens seeking to depart from Haiti, in the face of increasing gang-related violence and instability. This move comes as part of a broader international response to the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the country.
The US State Department has initiated arrangements for a charter flight to evacuate American citizens from Haiti, amid escalating violence primarily driven by gang conflicts. This decision follows the engagement of police in operations targeting gangs, particularly in efforts to apprehend notorious gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, alias “Barbecue,” who has a stronghold in the Delmas neighbourhood of Port-au-Prince.
The violence has led to the main port of the capital being inoperative since early March, significantly disrupting daily life and adding to the hardships faced by the local population. In addition, the situation has prompted the closure of the main international airport due to gang activities, leading embassies, including that of the United States, to conduct evacuations for their nationals.
Amidst these developments, unverified claims of cannibalism in Haiti have circulated online, shared by notable figures such as entrepreneur Elon Musk and various right-wing influencers. However, these allegations have been dismissed by the US State Department, Doctors Without Borders, and Human Rights Watch due to a lack of credible evidence. The situation in Haiti remains dire, with the country grappling with the consequences of the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, ongoing gang violence, and a long history of political instability and natural disasters.
The government’s instability has been further underscored by recent events, including the ransacking of the offices of the Guatemalan honorary consul in Haiti, symptomatic of the broader chaos enveloping the nation. This has coincided with Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s announcement to resign, responding to one of the key demands put forth by the gangs and leaving the country in a precarious state of governance.
The US response includes deploying troops to enhance security at their embassy in Haiti and warning American citizens to carefully consider the risks before opting for evacuation flights from Cap-Haïtien. These measures reflect the international community’s efforts to assist American citizens and to respond to the spiraling violence and humanitarian crisis in Haiti.
