Recent events in Haiti have brought about a concerning escalation of violence, prompting diplomatic evacuations from Port-au-Prince over the weekend. The situation has become increasingly dire, with reports of heightened gang violence paralyzing the country. In response to the growing unrest, a U.S. military helicopter evacuated non-essential personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince under the cover of darkness. Despite the evacuations, the embassy will remain operational, with additional security measures, likely U.S. Marines, being deployed to safeguard the premises.
Other embassies, including the German and European Union embassy, also conducted evacuations via helicopter as the airport in Port-au-Prince remains closed due to gang-related conflicts. The airport came under attack by armed gangs, with reports of gunfire damaging a plane. Diplomats have expressed concerns over the safety of attempting to leave the country via land borders to the Dominican Republic, citing the dangers posed by gang checkpoints.
For those who have remained in Haiti, the situation is dire, with dwindling supplies of food and water exacerbating the already precarious conditions. The ongoing violence has resulted in the displacement of thousands of Haitians, further compounding the humanitarian crisis.
All eyes are now on Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who is believed to be in Puerto Rico and facing mounting pressure to address the crisis. Calls for the formation of a transitional government and a clear timeline for elections have intensified, with stakeholders both domestically and internationally urging Henry to take decisive action. Despite the growing demands for a diplomatic resolution, Henry has maintained a largely silent stance, leaving many uncertain about his intentions moving forward.
