The US announced that it has begun using helicopters to relocate American citizens from Haiti. This comes as violence continues to escalate in the capital, which is controlled by gangs. The most intense gunfire has been reported in the country’s wealthiest neighborhoods.
Vedant Patel, a spokesperson for the state department, informed journalists on Wednesday that the government has arranged for planes to transport evacuees from Port-au-Prince to the Dominican Republic. The two countries share the island of Hispaniola, where Haiti is located.
Patel stated that the current state of conflict in Port-au-Prince is severe and poses high risks for safety. However, he reassured that the operation would not proceed unless the safety of those involved was ensured and the necessary expertise was present.
According to Patel, the current scenario in Haiti’s capital is constantly changing due to the uprising by heavily armed gang members against the government on February 29. Decisions on future evacuation flights will be made on a daily basis.
According to Patel, around 1,600 Americans living in Haiti have contacted the government for assistance with the current security situation. This could include requesting evacuation or seeking guidance on how to ensure their safety.
As the evacuations commenced, reporters and bystanders noted that there was an increase in conflict in Haiti’s capital. This week, Catherine Russell, the head of Unicef, likened the situation to “something seen in Mad Max”.
“The sound of intense and continuous shooting was heard in previously tranquil areas near the Haitian capital,” stated the Associated Press. Their journalists witnessed at least five deceased individuals in the outskirts of the city.
According to Matt Knight, a British humanitarian currently in Port-au-Prince, there has been persistent gunfire throughout the day. He reports that the gunfire has been continuous and ongoing, and he can currently hear shots being fired. It has been a day filled with constant “pop-pop” sounds.
The noise is inconsistent, sometimes appearing to originate two streets over and other times half a mile away. However, it has been an ongoing disturbance and today is particularly bad.
Knight, who is the Haiti director for the Irish humanitarian aid agency Goal Global, said his organization had managed to restart its operations in one of Port-au-Prince’s deprived suburbs after the shooting subsided there. But in recent days the violence had shifted to some of the city’s most upscale areas, including Laboule, Thomassin and Pétion-Ville.
According to reports, individuals living in impacted areas contacted local radio stations to request assistance from Haiti’s under-equipped police force, which is facing challenges in stopping gangs from taking over the capital city.
“According to Jacqueline Charles, the Caribbean correspondent for the Miami Herald, Pétion-Ville is currently under intense gunshots and is experiencing complete immobilization.”
Ongoing discussions are taking place to establish a transitional council responsible for selecting an interim government to guide Haiti towards new elections, as the conflict persists.
Haiti has been without a president since the assassination of Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Their current prime minister and acting president, Ariel Henry, is unpopular and has been unable to access the country due to a gang uprising. In response to pressure from the US and Caribbean leaders, Henry has agreed to step down once a seven-member council is established.
Patel stated to journalists on Wednesday that the discussions with the transitional president council should continue as every day is important.
The United States was under the impression that Haitian negotiators, who were representing various political groups and members of civil society, were close to reaching a finalized agreement. Despite this, it is uncertain if the establishment of this council will improve the stability of Port-au-Prince.
Source: theguardian.com
