More than 50,000 people have left Haiti’s capital in the past three weeks as politicians remain deadlocked

The escalating conflict between powerful armed gangs in Haiti has led to a mass exodus of over 53,000 people from the capital city of Port-au-Prince in just three weeks of March. The state’s absence and lack of political stability have left civilians vulnerable to violence and chaos.

According to United Nations estimates, tens of thousands of individuals have fled the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, seeking refuge from the ongoing conflict. The situation has been described by U.N. Human Rights Chief Volker Turk as “unprecedented in modern Haitian history,” with reports of killings, kidnappings, and sexual violence.

Many of the displaced individuals are heading towards the country’s southern peninsula, which is still recovering from a devastating earthquake in 2021. The violence has also disrupted the transport of essential goods and humanitarian aid into the capital, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

While some displaced individuals expressed a desire to emigrate, neighboring countries like the Dominican Republic have tightened their borders and increased security measures. The political situation in Haiti remains unstable, with alliances of powerful gangs vying for control and declaring “war” on the de facto government.

Efforts to establish a transitional presidential council have been delayed due to factional infighting and resignations. Calls for an alternative transition method, outlined in the constitution, have been made by members of Haiti’s military and civil associations. The country’s de facto government has stated its commitment to a peaceful transfer of power, but challenges persist in achieving stability and security for the Haitian people.