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The United States issued a travel advisory Thursday, November 21, cautioning its citizens against traveling to Haiti as gang-related violence spiraled out of control, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince.
In recent weeks, armed gangs have expanded their hold on Port-au-Prince, triggering clashes that have rendered several areas virtually ungovernable. The U.S. consulate painted a grim picture of the chaos, citing widespread violence, barricaded neighborhoods, and a near-total shutdown of airport operations. The Toussaint Louverture International Airport, the main gateway to the country, remains closed until at least November 25, leaving travelers stranded and cutting off a vital link to the outside world.
The embassy expressed concern about the unpredictability of the violence, noting that clashes have erupted near critical infrastructure, including the airport and the affluent neighborhood of Pétion-Ville, home to many diplomatic missions and international organizations. All consular services, including visa appointments and emergency American Citizen Services, were been suspended. U.S. citizens in need of urgent assistance were instructed to contact the embassy via email.
Haiti’s deepening turmoil is the latest chapter in a long history of political instability and economic hardship. Gang violence has surged in recent years, fueled by weak governance, poverty, and the proliferation of illegal arms. The situation reached a critical point following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, which left a power vacuum and emboldened criminal networks.
The violence in Port-au-Prince has not only jeopardized travel but also paralyzed essential services. Commercial airlines have ceased operations, and travel within the city has become perilous. Armed groups frequently erect roadblocks, making movement through the city dangerous, even for locals. Humanitarian efforts have also been severely hampered, with aid agencies struggling to access communities in need.
The U.S. advisory comes against the backdrop of a diplomatic impasse at the United Nations. A U.S.-backed proposal to transition the Kenya-led multinational force assisting Haiti into a formal UN peacekeeping mission was vetoed by Russia and China earlier this week. The two nations raised concerns over the proposal, calling for a special UN Security Council meeting to address the matter.
This setback has dealt a blow to efforts to stabilize Haiti. The multinational force, deployed to combat gang violence, has faced significant hurdles, including a shortage of troops and a lack of funding. Kenya, which leads the mission, has struggled to gain the resources and international backing necessary to sustain its operations. A UN peacekeeping mandate would have provided additional support.
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