State Department Urges U.S. Citizens to Leave Haiti Amidst Safety Concerns
The U.S. State Department has issued a strong advisory for all U.S. citizens in Haiti to leave the country due to escalating safety concerns. In a statement released on Wednesday, the department emphasized the current security situation and infrastructure challenges in Haiti, urging citizens to depart as soon as possible using commercial or private transport.
The deteriorating conditions, particularly in the capital city of Port-au-Prince, have raised significant alarm in recent months. Earlier this month, the U.S. Embassy in Haiti had to temporarily close its doors amidst widespread gang violence and gunfire plaguing the streets of the city. Such incidents highlight the growing dangers faced by both residents and foreigners in the country.
In late July, an American nurse and her daughter were kidnapped by a gang in Haiti and held for ransom. The incident raised serious concerns about the safety of foreigners in the country. Fortunately, after two weeks, they were safely returned. However, these incidents have further illuminated the security risks faced by U.S. citizens.
The State Department had previously issued a “do not travel” notice for Haiti in late July, warning about the risk of kidnappings. Additionally, nonemergency embassy personnel were advised to leave the country. The rise in gang violence in Haiti has been alarming, with a 28 percent increase reported in the first quarter of 2023. According to the senior U.N. representative in Port-au-Prince, gang violence in 2022 reached levels not seen in decades.
The surge in gang activity can be traced back to the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, which sparked a wave of violence across the country. Unfortunately, the situation has continued to escalate, prompting an exodus of at least 165,000 Haitians from their homes into temporary shelters.
In response to the crisis, the United States has supported a United Nations plan for a multinational police force in Haiti. Led by Kenya, this force aims to combat gang violence, particularly in Port-au-Prince.
It is clear that the security situation in Haiti remains volatile and poses significant risks to the well-being of U.S. citizens. The State Department’s urgent advisory serves as a reminder for all U.S. citizens in Haiti to prioritize their safety and promptly make arrangements to leave the country.