Political turmoil, inflation, gang violence exacerbate humanitarian situation in Haiti: UN

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Political turmoil, the high costs of food, rising inflation and gang violence is aggravating the humanitarian crisis in Haiti, where nearly half the population is going hungry, the UN World Food Program (WFP) warned Tuesday.

As a result of deteriorating security, economic crisis and food insecurity, Haitians are leaving the country in search of a better future, WFP’s Haiti country director Jean-Martin Bauer told reporters.

Since June 2021, more than 36,000 people have fled the nation’s capital of Port-au-Prince, where over 1 million people are already food insecure because gangs are blocking roads and seizing trucks that deliver food.

The blockage of roads leading to the southern peninsula has cut off 3.8 million people living south of Port-au-Prince.

Violence between rival gangs have killed more than 50 people, mostly civilians, since Friday in the suburb of Cite Soleil, Mayor Joel Janeus said Monday.

"Large parts of the population have been cut off from the economic heart of the country. This comes at a time when Haiti is coping with the effects of COVID-19, recent natural disasters, high inflation and rising costs due to the conflict in Ukraine," said Bauer.

Maritime routes are being used to bring humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable people and in some territories residents have been asked not to walk the streets.

People are avoiding going to hospitals and children have stopped going to school because they fear being caught in the crossfire.​​​​​​​

Half a million children have lost access to education in Port-au-Prince where 1,700 schools are closed, according to the UN.

The Caribbean country has also been subjected to devastating natural disasters including earthquakes, tropical storms and landslides in addition to being hit by the global food and fuel crises caused by Russia’s “military operation” in Ukraine as it imports 70% of its cereals.

The continuing escalation of violence is also gripping the country since the killing of former President Jovenel Moise last year in a nighttime raid.

On Thursday, the country commemorated the anniversary of Moise's murder while authorities have not found those responsible.