The U.S. State Department is urging U.S. citizens to leave Haiti “as soon as possible,” according to a message shared on X. Following increased gang violence and a series of threatening events – including coordinated attacks at prisons and police stations – in recent days, U.S. citizens have been told to exit the country as Haiti’s government declared a state of emergency.
Coordinated Violence
Haiti’s airport in Port-Au-Prince closed earlier this week when local gangs attempted to take control of it by force. Armed gangs also stormed a local prison in the country and freed most of the 4,000 inmates.
Other threats throughout the country include armed blockades sealing off various neighborhoods and gangs burning down local police stations. This has also resulted in significantly decreased access to healthcare operations due to the threat of violence on medical staff.
Haiti’s stream of violence has been ongoing since July 2021 when the country’s president was killed. Instability in the country has only worsened and, now, gang leaders are calling for the country’s current leader to resign.
State of Emergency
Haiti’s government declared a state of emergency and extended it through April 3 on Thursday. With the state of emergency, the government has enacted a curfew to lessen violence.
The U.S. Embassy in Haiti is advising U.S. citizens to leave the country, noting security and “infrastructure challenges.” The embassy also noted it would not be able to facilitate air travel out of the country. The message warned citizens not to attempt to come to the embassy due to “gang violence and its effect on transportation and infrastructure.”
The embassy also advised citizens to practice increased safety and awareness while in the country, including tips like “avoid crowds” and “keep a low profile.” People are also advised to plan to shelter in place for an “extended period” and stay inside after dark.
The embassy expects to have impacted operations through March 12 at the earliest. Growing concerns in the country include the flow of aid into the country, resident safety, and how the gang attacks might be politically motivated. For now, U.S. citizens wanting to leave the country have limited options but are urged to go if and when conditions are safe enough to do so.