Haiti’s Vital Port Shuts Land Access Amid Gang Attacks: A Nation on the Brink

The Caribbean nation of Haiti has been grappling with a deteriorating security situation that has thrown its economy, public safety, and political stability into disarray. A dramatic escalation in gang-related violence is now forcing the closure of land access to a crucial supply port in the capital, Port-au-Prince. The operator, Caribbean Port Services (CPS), announced that the port will shut its barriers to all forms of land-based traffic from September 26 to September 29, 2024. This move is intended to facilitate the Haitian army and national police in securing the area, which has increasingly fallen under the control of violent gangs.

The CPS statement underscores the severe and immediate threat that these gangs pose to Haiti’s lifeline—its ability to import essential goods such as food, medicine, and fuel. The port in Port-au-Prince serves as a key hub for supplies entering the country, and the disruption of land access will have a ripple effect on the Haitian economy, which is already reeling from food shortages, hyperinflation, and civil unrest.

Gang Violence Paralyzes Port Operations

Gang violence has surged across Haiti, particularly in the capital, where rival groups now control most of the city. The situation has escalated to the point where ships attempting to dock at the port are coming under fire. According to a shipping official who spoke to Reuters earlier this week, vessels carrying essential supplies are unable to unload due to attacks from armed gangs. The recent kidnapping of two Filipino crew members from a cargo vessel at the port adds another layer of danger for international shipping operations.

Haiti has struggled with waves of violence for years, but the scale and organization of gang activities have reached unprecedented levels. A powerful alliance of gangs, armed with weapons largely trafficked from the United States, has formed in the capital. Their control now extends beyond Port-au-Prince, posing a significant threat to the surrounding areas. This violence has severely affected Haiti’s already fragile infrastructure, causing widespread displacement and economic instability.

A Nation in Crisis: Humanitarian Emergency and Worsening Displacement

The consequences of the gang control over Port-au-Prince and other areas have been catastrophic for Haiti’s population. More than 700,000 people have been internally displaced, nearly double the number from just six months ago. Many of these displaced individuals are living in makeshift camps, often in schools that have been repurposed to house those fleeing gang violence. These camps are marked by dire conditions—lack of adequate shelter, clean water, sanitation, and access to healthcare, all of which contribute to a growing humanitarian emergency.

The displacement crisis is compounded by skyrocketing food prices, which have increased by 42% in July 2024 compared to the previous year, according to the World Food Programme. This inflation has led to widespread hunger, with an increasing number of people unable to afford basic necessities. Haiti’s ability to import food has become even more strained, and the country is now facing one of its worst food crises in recent memory.

In a poignant address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 26, 2024, Edgard Leblanc Fils, president of Haiti’s transition council, pleaded with the international community to recognize the severity of the crisis. “This situation is not just a humanitarian emergency but a threat to the stability of our nation,” Leblanc told the General Assembly. His remarks came amid widespread concern that the security situation could destabilize the entire Caribbean region if left unchecked.

A Call for International Action

Haitian leaders, including Leblanc, have been vocal in their calls for international support, particularly from the United Nations. Despite the partial deployment of a U.N.-backed security force earlier this year, the situation has only worsened. The mandate for this security force, which is primarily led by Kenyan troops, is set to expire in the coming days, leaving Haiti’s government in a precarious position.

Leblanc used his platform at the United Nations to urge the Security Council to consider converting the underfunded and understaffed security force into a formal peacekeeping mission. This would allow the mission to secure more stable funding, additional troops, and advanced equipment from U.N. member states. However, the international community’s response to Haiti’s pleas for help has been slow and, in many cases, inadequate. Despite widespread recognition of the growing crisis, meaningful action remains elusive.

The violence in Port-au-Prince has broader implications for Haiti’s regional and global relationships, as neighboring countries and international organizations weigh how best to intervene. There is increasing concern that the continued deterioration of security in Haiti could lead to a migration crisis, as more Haitians flee their homeland in search of safety and stability abroad.

A Nation Under Siege

Haiti has experienced many periods of violence and political instability throughout its history, but the current situation represents an existential threat to the nation. Over the past year, violence has reached new levels, particularly following the resignation of Haiti’s last prime minister and the mass escape of thousands of prisoners in February 2024. The country’s main seaports and international airport were closed for nearly three months during this period, bringing the economy to a standstill and exacerbating food and fuel shortages.

Now, with the gangs growing bolder and more organized, the very institutions that underpin the Haitian state are under siege. Schools have been closed, businesses shuttered, and hospitals overwhelmed by the victims of violence and disease. The closure of land access to the Port-au-Prince supply port represents the latest in a series of blows to Haiti’s struggling economy and public services.

A Looming Threat to Stability

The violence and unrest in Haiti are not just a Haitian problem; they are a threat to regional stability. As gangs expand their control, there is increasing concern that the unrest could spill over into neighboring countries in the Caribbean and beyond. This risk is compounded by the involvement of international actors in Haiti’s crisis, particularly the flow of arms from the United States. U.S. weapons have played a significant role in arming Haiti’s gangs, and efforts to curb this illegal trade have been slow and ineffective.

Moreover, the displacement of 700,000 people within Haiti creates pressure on neighboring countries, which could see a surge in refugees. The international community, including the United States, Canada, and the European Union, has offered financial support and humanitarian aid, but these measures have done little to stem the tide of violence.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Solutions

Addressing the crisis in Haiti requires a multifaceted approach that includes both immediate humanitarian relief and long-term solutions to the underlying causes of the violence. In the short term, securing the port in Port-au-Prince is a priority. The temporary closure of land access to the port may provide a window for the Haitian army and police to regain control of the area, but this is only a stopgap measure. Without sustained and coordinated international support, Haiti will remain vulnerable to further disruptions.

In the long term, Haiti needs a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of gang violence, including poverty, unemployment, and the proliferation of weapons. This will require substantial investment in Haiti’s economy and infrastructure, as well as the strengthening of its democratic institutions.

Leblanc’s call for the conversion of the Kenyan-led security force into a formal U.N. peacekeeping mission is an important step toward stabilizing the situation. However, the success of such a mission will depend on the willingness of U.N. member states to provide the necessary resources—both in terms of funding and personnel.

Conclusion

Haiti’s ongoing crisis is a stark reminder of the complex interplay between violence, poverty, and political instability. The closure of land access to the Port-au-Prince supply port is a symptom of a much larger problem that requires immediate attention from the international community. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the stakes are growing not just for Haiti but for the entire Caribbean region. International leaders must act decisively to prevent further escalation and to support the Haitian people in their struggle for peace, security, and stability.