American Nurse and Daughter Kidnapped in Haiti Amidst Rising Crime Wave
In an unsettling incident that highlights the escalating crime situation in Haiti, American nurse Alix Dorsainvil and her daughter were kidnapped last week from the community ministry where she works. The kidnapping took place in broad daylight, with a man brandishing a gun in full view of a patient waiting for a medical checkup.
The aid group, El Roi Haiti, where Dorsainvil is employed, has been working tirelessly with authorities and partners from both the United States and Haiti to secure their release. However, after six days, there is still no clear information about the whereabouts of Dorsainvil and her child.
The case has garnered attention at the highest levels, with President Joe Biden briefed on the situation. Haiti has been plagued by waves of crime and unrest, with more than 1,000 people already being taken hostage for ransom this year alone, according to United Nations figures.
The dire security situation prompted the US State Department to order the departure of nonemergency government personnel from Haiti. The US Embassy in Haiti had issued a travel advisory urging US nationals to leave the country immediately due to recent armed clashes between criminal groups and the police in the capital city, Port-au-Prince.
The White House has described the situation as “precarious” and has been coordinating efforts to secure Dorsainvil’s release. Speaking on the matter, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby emphasized the need for caution in discussing the ongoing efforts, given the sensitivity of the situation.
While Haiti has been plagued by a yearslong kidnapping-for-profit epidemic, mostly targeting locals, the abduction of foreigners has also made headlines. In a high-profile case earlier this year, 17 missionaries from the United States and Canada were kidnapped by a local gang and held captive for over a month.
Authorities in Haiti have recorded a staggering 1,014 kidnappings in the country from January to June this year, including women, girls, and boys, according to a United Nations report. The situation has prompted widespread demonstrations demanding the release of Dorsainvil and her daughter, with students from El Roi Haiti and other residents joining in solidarity.
Dorsainvil, a New Hampshire native, has been working as a nurse at El Roi Haiti since 2020 and got married just last year. Her connection to Haiti began after she visited the country in the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake. She fell in love with the people and subsequently made multiple trips to Haiti, showing love and care to those in need.
As Dorsainvil and her daughter remain in captivity, the humanitarian organization and supporters are hopeful for their safe return. The ongoing efforts to secure their freedom are a testament to the dedication and resilience of those working to combat the rising crime wave in Haiti.