Title: U.S. State Department Orders Non-Emergency Personnel to Evacuate Haiti Amidst Escalating Violence
Subtitle: Kidnapping, Crime, and Civil Unrest Continue to Plague the Caribbean Nation
Date: July 27, 2021
In a travel advisory issued on Thursday, the U.S. State Department has ordered non-emergency government personnel and their families to leave Haiti as soon as possible, citing ongoing “kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor health care infrastructure.” The advisory also urges U.S. citizens not working for the government to consider leaving the country through commercial or other privately available transportation options.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, the State Department emphasized the widespread kidnappings in Haiti, with victims often including U.S. citizens. Kidnappers are employing sophisticated methods and seizing opportunities, even targeting convoys. This alarming trend has prompted the U.S. government to prioritize the safety of its citizens.
Haiti has been grappling with a deteriorating situation marked by violence and chaos. Heavily armed gangs have created a humanitarian crisis, resulting in the displacement of tens of thousands of people. The country has been plagued by frequent incidents of kidnappings for ransom, gang rapes, torture, and murders, presenting a grave threat to public safety.
Since the horrifying assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, 2021, Haiti has been in a state of political limbo. The Caribbean nation has yet to elect a new leader, aggravating an already precarious situation.
While the evacuation order underscores the urgency of the situation, it also reflects the ongoing struggles that Haiti faces in containing the violence and securing the safety of its people. The State Department’s move is an indication of the worsening security crisis in the country.
As tension mounts and the population grapples with the absence of a stable government, Haiti’s future remains uncertain. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, seeking ways to restore stability and assist the Haitian people in overcoming these challenging times.
Reporting by Dan Whitcomb; Editing by Tom Hogue, Robert Birsel