Haiti’s main international airport, the Toussaint-Louverture airport in the capital of Port-au-Prince, has reopened after almost three months of being closed due to gang violence. The closure of the airport had led to a critical shortage of medications and other basic supplies since the main seaport remains paralyzed. Currently, only the local carrier Sunrise Airways is flying in and out of the airport, with US-based airlines expected to resume operations later this spring. The violent attacks by gangs in Haiti have resulted in over 2,500 deaths and injuries from January to March this year, a significant increase compared to the same period last year. The US government and nonprofit organizations have evacuated hundreds of citizens from the country, as powerful gangs lay siege to parts of the capital.
The attacks on Haiti began in February, with gunmen seizing control of police stations, shooting at the airport, and freeing over 4,000 inmates from prisons. Gangs have continued their attacks on previously peaceful communities, leaving thousands homeless. The reopening of the international airport provides some relief to the people of Haiti, allowing for the movement of supplies and individuals in and out of the country. The ongoing violence and instability have led to widespread fear among the residents, with many expressing concerns about potential attacks even at the airport. Workers who have returned to their jobs at the airport are relieved to be back but remain anxious about the security situation in the country.
Several people preparing to leave Haiti on flights out of Port-au-Prince expressed mixed emotions about their departure. While they are happy to leave the violence and uncertainty behind, they are also leaving loved ones and family members in Haiti. Many have received visas to live in the US due to the dangers posed by the gang violence in their neighborhoods. The violence has not only resulted in loss of life but has also led to severe disruptions in the economy, leaving many unemployed. The transitional government in Haiti is working to address the security situation in the country and prepare for the arrival of foreign forces to help stabilize the situation.
In response to the escalating violence, the US military has landed planes at the Port-au-Prince airport with essential supplies, medication, and hydration fluids, as well as civilian contractors to assist Haiti in preparing for the arrival of foreign forces. Kenya, among other countries, is finalizing plans to deploy police officers to Haiti to help address the security challenges. The deployment of police officers from Kenya is expected to happen in the next few days or weeks, as part of a broader international effort to support Haiti in restoring peace and stability. The violence and insecurity in Haiti have not only affected the daily lives of its citizens but have also required international intervention to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
The reopening of the Toussaint-Louverture airport is a significant step towards restoring normalcy in Haiti and addressing the critical shortage of supplies caused by the closure of the airport. However, the security situation in the country remains a major concern, with powerful gangs controlling significant parts of the capital. The ongoing violence has led to widespread displacement, casualties, and economic disruption, prompting international assistance to stabilize the situation. The transitional government in Haiti is working to address the security challenges and prepare for the arrival of foreign forces to support efforts to restore peace and stability in the country. International cooperation and assistance are crucial in addressing the longstanding issues of violence and instability in Haiti and helping the country move towards a more peaceful and secure future.
