US urges nationals to depart Haiti citing security, disruptions in services

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US has urged its nationals in Haiti to leave, citing the security situation and disruptions in essential services, according to the State Department.

In a statement Wednesday, the agency urged US citizens to make plans to depart now via commercial means.

"U.S. citizens should carefully consider the risks of traveling to or remaining in Haiti in light of the current security situation and infrastructure challenges," said the statement. "Widespread fuel shortages may limit essential services in an emergency, including access to banks, money transfers, urgent medical care, internet and telecommunications, and public and private transportation options.”

It warned that the US Embassy will not be able to help with departure if commercial options become unavailable.

The humanitarian situation has worsened since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in June. Tensions are rising amid gang violence, fuel shortages, increases in food prices and a political vacuum that has plunged Haitians into deep uncertainty about the future.

According to a Port-au-Prince-based human rights group, at least 782 kidnappings were recorded in 2021, almost as many as the 796 reported in 2020.

The Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights said at least 119 people were kidnapped in the first half of October, “an increase compared to September,” it said.

The latest abduction occurred Oct. 16 when an armed group kidnapped 17 American missionaries, including a Canadian, from the Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries that was visiting an orphanage when their bus was seized in Ganthier in Port-au-Prince.

The gang known as 400 Mawozo is demanding $1 million each for their release, said Justice Minister Liszt Quitel.