ICYMI: U.S. Flights Into Haiti Are Grounded. What Happened?
Nov 19, 2024
auto_awesome
Jacqueline Charles, a Miami Herald correspondent specializing in Haiti, shares insights on the country's escalating turmoil. U.S. flights are grounded after gang gunfire forced airport closures, highlighting the severe control gangs have over Port-au-Prince. Amidst this chaos, a new president is sworn in, but instability continues with Haiti facing its third prime minister in a year. Charles delves into the associated humanitarian crisis, discussing the plight of displaced families and the urgent need for international support in restoring order.
The grounding of U.S. flights to Haiti highlights the severe impact of escalating gang violence, with gangs controlling 85% of Port-au-Prince.
Haiti faces a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by limited access to essential goods and the urgent need for international intervention amid ongoing turmoil.
Deep dives
Escalating Crisis in Haiti
Flights from the U.S. to Haiti have been grounded for 30 days due to increasing gang violence, particularly in the capital city of Port-au-Prince, where gangs now control 85% of the area. The situation has worsened dramatically since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, resulting in a power vacuum that has allowed gangs to proliferate and cause chaos. The United Nations reported that Port-au-Prince is in a state of near-total paralysis, emphasizing the urgent humanitarian crisis facing the country. With the grounding of both commercial flights and UN aid deliveries, the catastrophe is exacerbated, leaving many, especially those affected by recent floods, without necessary assistance or access to food and fuel.
Impact of Gang Violence on Daily Life
The conditions for residents in Haiti have become increasingly dire as gang violence escalates, prompting a new prime minister to take office amidst ongoing turmoil. Individuals are struggling to find fuel and essential goods, with prices soaring due to supply chain disruptions caused by gangs controlling transportation routes. Reports indicate that many neighborhoods are now under siege, leading to a sharp increase in displacement and violence. Citizens are forming makeshift brigades in a desperate attempt to protect themselves, resulting in tragic consequences, including the death of innocent people caught in the crossfire.
International Response and Local Security Measures
Haiti's ruling council has reached out to the United Nations for support, seeking a peacekeeping mission to help regain control over the growing violence, but faces challenges in garnering support from powerful nations like China and Russia. The multinational security force, led by police from Kenya, has not met its deployment goals due to funding issues and logistical challenges, leaving local forces severely under-resourced in combating gang incursions. With the situation deteriorating rapidly, residents are increasingly exposed to perilous conditions with limited safe spaces available for refuge. The international community's hesitation to intervene fully complicates efforts to stabilize the country and protect its citizens from ongoing violence and humanitarian crises.
U.S. flights to Haiti are grounded for the next 30 days.
Three U.S. airline flights were fired on last Monday as they attempted to land in Haiti. That led to the closure of Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince. In response, the Federal Aviation Administration has suspended all U.S. flights to Haiti for the next 30 days.
Last week's gunfire came from gangs operating out of Haiti's capital city. It's the latest example of the extent of gang control in the country. Haiti has been in a state of chaos for more than three years since its last president, Jovenel Moïse, was assassinated.
Last Monday also saw a new president sworn into office after the country's interim leader was ousted. Between a new prime minister and the continued presence of foreign security officers in Haiti — we discuss how the country is faring.