July 28, 2023
Lydia Baccino, Sophia Ritscher, Hae Lim Park, Christine Saddy
Cameron Munoz, Senior Editor
Haiti Base Map[1]
Event: On July 27, the US State Department released a statement ordering that all non-emergent government personnel and their families leave Haiti, specifying the increased rate of kidnappings, civil unrest, poor healthcare infrastructure, and high crime level as the reasoning. Advice from the State Department instructs citizens to leave as soon as possible through commercial or private transportation.[2] In Haiti, kidnappings, which regularly include US citizens by taking advantage of tourists' naivety, are common tactics used by gangs to force ransom negotiations with the victims' families and the US government. Within the region, violent crimes, including firearms, armed robberies, and carjackings, have increased since April. Attackers often follow their victims from Port-au-Prince international airport, where they later attack and rob them. Attacking private vehicles, often in traffic, and lone, predominantly female drivers is a common additional tactic. Shortages of electricity, gasoline, and medicine are exacerbating the situation, with hospitals and medical clinics lacking sufficient resources and staff. The State Department's instructions state that government personnel must confine themselves to areas in and around the Embassy. Prohibited activities for US citizens include using public transportation, banks/ATMs, driving at night, traveling between 0100 to 0500, and traveling without approval and security procedures in place.[3]
Significance: Civil unrest, kidnapping, crime, and poor healthcare infrastructure will almost certainly deteriorate in Haiti as gangs control new areas. Haitian citizens and political parties will likely continue to call for elections and nominate new members in all government roles, specifically in the Election Commission, Supreme Court, and Chamber of Deputies or Senate. Influential gang leaders will likely request to be present at negotiations to influence any potential deals. The failure to reach a consensus within civil societies or with gangs will likely deteriorate the situation further. Rival and corrupt politicians, along with police officers, are likely to use gangs to advance their agendas by intimidating the opposition and raising money to fund their campaigns. Other nations will likely follow the US initiative of ordering all non-emergent government personnel and their families to leave Haiti, likely worsening the chaos and panic for foreign citizens living in Haiti. Given the deteriorating situation, the international community, including the US, will likely attempt to intervene to stabilize the government apparatus. The international community will likely send a "quick action force" to help Haiti's security services tackle corruption, improve its security infrastructure, and maintain law and order.
Recommendations
The Counterterrorism Group (CTG) recommends that all US citizens comply with the US Department of State travel advisory and leave Haiti immediately. CTG further recommends individuals regularly check the Haiti travel advisory for updates.
CTG recommends reserving commercial transportation options to leave Haiti as soon as possible to avoid overcrowding at airports, ports, and train stations.
CTG recommends individuals stay calm and vigilant of their surroundings until they can leave Haiti.
CTG recommends that individuals report any suspicious activities and crimes to the local authorities.
CTG recommends that individuals travel in groups, avoid crowded areas, and travel by vehicle with closed windows and locked doors to minimize walking in public.
CTG recommends individuals not provide personal information to unauthorized personnel even inside the airport, including immigration and customs.
CTG recommends not physically resisting robbery attempts to minimize the potential of violent escalation.
CTG recommends individuals remain mindful of the ongoing Cholera outbreak and implement strict personal hygiene measures to decrease the risk of contamination.
If there is any additional and or critical information, please contact us at The Counterterrorism Group (CTG) by Telephone at 202-643-2848 or email at info@counterterrorismgroup.com.
[1] “Haiti Base Map” by European Commission - Emergency Response Coordination Centre licensed under Creative Commons
[2] US orders government personnel, family members to leave Haiti, Reuters, July 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-orders-government-personnel-family-members-depart-haiti-2023-07-28/
[3] Haiti Travel Advisory, US Department of State, July 2023, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/haiti-travel-advisory.html
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