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UN Evacuates Staff from Haiti as Gang Violence Escalates

Emmanuel Paul
Emmanuel Paul - Journalist/ Storyteller

As armed gangs tighten their grip on Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, the United Nations (U.N.) has begun evacuating personnel from the embattled nation.

The move underscores the deepening crisis in a country grappling with unprecedented levels of violence and instability.

Two humanitarian flights carrying U.N. personnel are scheduled to arrive in Panama City on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to Panama’s foreign ministry. These flights will transport 22 international uniformed police advisors and two U.N. officials, who will remain in Panama for up to 72 hours, according to an article released by Reuters.

Ulrika Richardson, the U.N. resident and humanitarian coordinator in Haiti, acknowledged the dire situation during a press conference last week. “We are starting to reduce slightly our footprint in the capital Port-au-Prince in response to escalating violence,” Richardson said, emphasizing efforts to relocate staff to other regions within Haiti to maintain their mission.

Despite the withdrawal of some personnel, the U.N. remains committed to its operations in Haiti. Maria Isabel Salvador, head of the U.N.’s Integrated Office in Haiti, confirmed that 1,527 of 1,725 staff members are still in the country. “We are not leaving the country,” Salvador stated on social media platform X.

Gangs Tighten Their Grip

The violence in Port-au-Prince has reached alarming levels, with analysts estimating that armed gangs, particularly those aligned with the Viv Ansanm alliance, now control between 80% and 90% of the city. Recent attacks have targeted communes that were previously less affected, leading to heightened fear and displacement.

The scale of the crisis is evident in the U.N.’s recent data, which reveals that over 40,000 people have been displaced in just 10 days—a mass exodus unparalleled since January last year. This displacement follows violent clashes and targeted attacks that have terrorized communities across the capital.

Humanitarian Organizations Forced to Adapt

The escalating violence has also disrupted the operations of international humanitarian organizations. U.S.-based Mercy Corps announced on Monday that it is relocating staff to regions outside of Port-au-Prince. Similarly, Doctors Without Borders suspended its activities in the capital, citing threats to its staff by the local police.

These adjustments highlight the challenges faced by aid organizations trying to operate in an environment where both civilians and humanitarian workers are increasingly at risk.

In October 2023, the U.N. Security Council approved the deployment of an international force to assist Haitian police in restoring order. However, this mission, dependent on voluntary contributions, remains underfunded and inadequately staffed.

Haiti’s government has urged the U.N. to escalate the mission into a formal peacekeeping operation, but the proposal has faced resistance. China and Russia, both veto powers in the Security Council, have expressed opposition to such a transition.

The current situation marks a grim chapter for Haiti, a nation long plagued by political instability, economic hardship, and social unrest. The unchecked expansion of gang territories has left much of the population vulnerable to violence, extortion, and displacement.

For residents of Port-au-Prince, everyday life has become a battle for survival. The affluent hillside suburb of Pétion-Ville recently experienced a violent gang attack, triggering a forceful civilian response. The chaos and insecurity reflect a city teetering on the brink of collapse.

Despite the partial evacuation, the U.N. insists that it remains committed to supporting Haiti during this turbulent time. Relocating staff to other departments is part of a strategy to adapt to the changing security landscape while continuing to deliver humanitarian assistance and support, argued the United Nations representatives in Haiti.

“The U.N. is not abandoning Haiti,” reiterated Salvador. The organization’s ongoing efforts, however, depend on the international community’s support to ensure the safety of its personnel and the effectiveness of its missions.

The crisis in Haiti calls for a coordinated and well-funded international response. As gangs extend their reach and violence escalates, the risks to both residents and aid workers grow. Without decisive action, the humanitarian situation is likely to worsen, with further displacement and suffering.

The full story, including additional context and quotes, can be read on the Reuters website. This article, authored by Elida Moreno and Harold Isaac, provides in-depth reporting on the unfolding situation in Haiti.