US withdraws staff, increases embassy security in Haiti

The evacuation of US embassy staff is the latest sign of instability in Haiti, where gang violence is threatening to topple the government and forcing thousands of people from their homes, according to Reuters.

Outside the US embassy in Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince in July 2023

In a statement on March 10, the US military's Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said it had removed non-essential personnel from the embassy. "The airlift of personnel to and from the embassy was consistent with our standard operating procedure for enhancing embassy security globally, and no Haitians were on board the military aircraft," SOUTHCOM said.

The US Embassy in Haiti said increased gang violence near the embassy and near the airport forced the State Department to send helicopters to evacuate staff, noting that the mission remained open.

Haiti entered a state of emergency late last week after violence escalated while Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who is serving as an unelected interim president, was in Kenya seeking an agreement to send in an international force to help with security.

Last year, Kenya announced it would lead the force, but domestic legal disputes have hampered the mission.

Crime boss wants to seize power, Haiti declares state of emergency

On March 9, the US State Department said Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the Haiti crisis with Kenyan President William Ruto and both men stressed their commitment to sending a United Nations-backed multinational force to restore order.

SOUTHCOM stressed that the United States remains committed to the above and promotes a peaceful transition of power through free and fair elections in Haiti.

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