Haiti: Exercise caution, expect heightened violence following recent political developments
OVERVIEW
Level: Advisory
Location: Haiti
Category: Civil unrest, Crime, Police/security operation, Transport disruption
Last Updated: 12 Nov 2024 22:28 (GMT)
Exercise caution and expect heightened violence in the coming days following recent political developments in Haiti. On 11 November, a passenger aircraft was struck by gunfire while landing at the capital Port-au-Prince’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP), prompting the closure of the facility. This comes after the Transitional Presidential Council on 10 November announced the dismissal of former interim prime minister Garry Conille and the appointment of Alix Didier Fils-Aime as his replacement. Further civil disturbances and a nationwide uptick in gang violence are highly likely. Road blockades by protesters and gangs should also be expected throughout Port-au-Prince.
ADVICE
Inbound business travellers

Defer all travel to Haiti.
Workforce remaining in country

Expect an increase in gang related activity, including looting and widespread clashes.
Those in Haiti should depart the country as soon as it is feasible and safe to do so.
Any overland or air travel in or out of Port-au-Prince requires sophisticated advance security and contingency planning. Travel should only be undertaken following a thorough risk assessment once a departure option has been confirmed. Contact International SOS for consultation regarding any such plans.
If already in the capital, stockpile essential provisions, including food, water, medication and fuel to enable a stand-fast period of up to seven days at a time. Actively communicate with sources of support to determine appropriate actions and preparatory measures for evacuation. Register with the relevant embassy to receive updates related to your emergency and evacuation planning amid reports of ongoing evacuation efforts. While waiting for a confirmed evacuation method, take all necessary personal preparedness steps for the move. This includes preparing a means to arrive at evacuating assembly areas, obtaining necessary permits, making visa arrangements where necessary and preparing a grab bag equipped with essentials such as identification documentation, a torch (flashlight), a medical kit, water and high-energy food. Be prepared to move with little warning. Remaining workforce should be prepared to respond to a potential increase in security threats, including looting and more widespread clashes, in their respective areas.
Monitor our Haiti alerts for updates.

MORE DETAIL
Following the 11 November incident, the US Federal Aviation Administration banned all US airlines and operators from flying into Haitian airspace until at least 12 December. This ban does not apply to non-US airlines, though reduces the number of available airlines operating to and from Haitian airports. The aviation authorities in Haiti have suspended flights to and from Port-au-Prince through at least 17 November.

A crewmember was reportedly injured in the 11 November incident, and the aircraft was forced to divert and land in Dominican Republic. Several airlines subsequently cancelled their flights to Haiti. This was the second instance of an aircraft being targeted by gunfire in recent weeks, after gang members shot at a UN helicopter in October.

Increased gunfire was also reported in other areas of Port-au-Prince. Gangs had reportedly instructed locals to stay indoors ahead of escalating their attacks against rival gangs and the security forces.

Context

The transitional council was created in April following months of gang-related violence in Port-au-Prince, with the objective of choosing the next Haitian prime minister and cabinet. However, it has faced challenges related to internal politics and conflicts involving corruption allegations. Since its creation, gangs have denounced the council and have threatened to attack key areas of Port-au-Prince.