PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Turmoil in Haiti is nothing new: The Caribbean nation is the only country ever established through a slave revolt. During its independence, Haitians have seen transitional governments put together by outsiders, devastating earthquakes and now a lack of leadership. The current crisis stems from years of political instability, with Prime Minister Ariel Henry recently announcing his resignation.
Laurent Uwumuremyi is a humanitarian working for Portland-based Mercy Corps in Haiti’s capital Port-Au-Prince. He said neighborhoods are overrun by gangs forcing people to flee their homes, leaving all their belongings behind. He added that people still stuck in the area have no family or friends to take them in or simply fear their property will be looted with nothing for them to return to.
“The airport is now closed, schools are closed, and traffic is not fluid," said Uwumuremyi. "Many roads are barricaded in many neighborhoods of Port-au Prince."
Uwumuremyi witnessed the deterioration due to instability firsthand.
“They can see dead bodies in the street, which is very traumatizing," he said. "People are really afraid of the potential increase of violence by the gangs trying to expand their territories, even the small area that the government still controls.”
In 2021 president, Jovenel Moise was assassinated. Ariel Henry, who was prime minister under Moise, took power of Haiti following his death. However, the country failed to hold elections on several occasions, citing logistics and violence as the reason for the delay. Protests started against Henry with waves of gang attacks, kidnappings and lootings. When he announced elections would be pushed back again to 2025, armed groups decided to increase the violence.
“People are really afraid, not moving around because they fear their safety and security," said Uwumuremyi, "especially in areas controlled by gangs.”
Last week, Henry went to Kenya to sign an agreement sending 1,000 Kenyan cops to Haiti in hopes of restoring government control. Due to the instability within the country, the airport has been destroyed, making it hard for the prime minister to fly back in. Since then, he’s been in Puerto Rico.
On Monday, he announced his resignation.
Gangs now control 80% of Port-au-Prince, according to the United Nations. Over 300,000 Haitians are now displaced due to gang violence.
“We provide cash assistance to vulnerable people living in the internally displaced camps in order for them to buy mainly food but also other basic household needs."
Right now, 5.5 million Haitians need humanitarian aid, which is about half of the total population.
“If the international community does not provide support to Haiti, the situation might be uncontrollable in the coming weeks," said Uwumuremyi. "The situation may get worse.”
Now, the United States is contributing $300 million to the security mission led by Kenya. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday said an additional $33 million will be sent to assist the people of Haiti.