Over 50,000 fled Haiti capital in three weeks, with politicians in deadlock

In just three weeks of March, over 53,000 individuals fled Haiti’s capital due to conflict between armed gangs, causing chaos for civilians. The state’s absence has left many without a clear path out of the turmoil as politicians struggle to establish stability.

Between March 8 and 27, tens of thousands of people left the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, according to United Nations estimates. Violence escalated over the Easter weekend and into the beginning of April, creating further unrest.

The U.N. Human Rights Chief, Volker Turk, described the level of human rights abuse in Haiti as “unprecedented in modern Haitian history,” with reports of killings, kidnappings, and sexual violence. The conflict has also impeded the transportation of necessary goods and aid into the capital.

Many of the displaced individuals are heading towards the country’s southern peninsula, which is still recovering from a major earthquake in 2021. The U.N. reports that nearly 70% of those who left Port-au-Prince in March had already been displaced due to gang violence.

Although only 4% expressed a desire to emigrate, mostly to the Dominican Republic, neighboring countries are tightening their maritime borders. The Dominican Republic has increased border security measures, rejected the establishment of refugee camps, and deported numerous individuals back to Haiti.

Powerful gangs are forming alliances to seize control of parts of the capital they do not yet dominate, declaring “war” on the de facto government. The resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry in March led to expectations of a swift replacement and the formation of a transitional presidential council proposed by regional leaders in Jamaica.

However, after three weeks, the council has yet to be installed due to internal conflicts, threats, and resignations. On Sunday, Haiti’s military and over 50 civil associations called for an alternative transition method outlined in the constitution, appointing a judge from the Supreme Court as provisional president who would then select a prime minister.

Critics argue that this proposal is a tactic by Henry’s supporters, as many of the court’s judges were appointed by him and are viewed as corrupt by the Haitian population. The de facto government released a statement on Monday indicating their efforts to facilitate a peaceful transfer of power to the presidential council as swiftly as possible.

The situation in Haiti remains tense as civilians continue to flee the capital amid ongoing conflict and political instability.