Gang violence, political strife and social instability in Haiti are facts of life for the people who live there, according to Canada’s ambassador to the country, André François Giroux. But he says the crisis is intensifying as the gangs do something not often seen before — work together. “What we’ve seen is [the gangs] working … Read more
Only “essential personnel” will remain at Canada’s embassy in Haiti as Ottawa says it is temporarily reducing the size of its mission in the Caribbean nation. Global Affairs Canada (GAC) said in a statement Thursday it is doing so given the “volatile situation” in the country. “Canada is temporarily drawing down to essential personnel at … Read more
Canada is renewing its call for stability in Haiti after Prime Minister Ariel Henry said he will resign as gang violence continues to grip the country. The unelected Henry, who took the helm after the 2021 assassination of then-president Jovenel Moïse, announced his plan to step down as the leader of the Caribbean nation on … Read more
Wedne Colin says he feels like he’s leading a “double life,” living in Montreal but constantly worrying for his family in Haiti. “It’s like we’re here, but at the same time we’re in Haiti,” he said Monday in an interview. “We can’t get rid of Haiti, Haiti follows us. Haiti sticks to our skin.” Colin … Read more
Canadians in Haiti are being advised to stock up on food, water and medications and shelter in place as gang violence in the country continues to escalate. The advice was issued Sunday night as Global Affairs Canada updated its travel advisory for the country. The update came hours before officials from multiple countries, including Canada … Read more
Canada is sending an official to attend an emergency meeting in Jamaica on Monday, following an invite from Caribbean leaders who want to discuss escalating gang violence in Haiti. A spokesperson for the office of Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said Bob Rae, Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations, will attend the meeting. Rae, who … Read more
Canada is sending an official to attend an emergency meeting in Jamaica on Monday, following an invite from Caribbean leaders who want to discuss escalating gang violence in Haiti. A spokesperson for the office of Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said Bob Rae, Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations, will attend the meeting. Rae, who is … Read more
Haiti’s government on Thursday said it would extend a state of emergency around Port-au-Prince for another month following a wave of gang violence that has threatened to bring down the government and led thousands to flee their homes. The U.N. humanitarian affairs agency on Thursday warned that the country’s health system was “nearing collapse,” with … Read more
Heavily armed gangs tried to seize control of Haiti’s main international airport on Monday, exchanging gunfire with police and soldiers in the latest attack on key government sites in an explosion of violence that includes a mass escape from the country’s prisons. The Toussaint Louverture International Airport was closed when the attack occurred, with no … Read more
This screen grab taken from AFPTV shows tires on fire near the main prison of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on March 3, 2024, after a breakout by several thousand inmates. Luckenson Jean | Afp | Getty Images A 72-hour state of emergency has been declared in Haiti after armed gangs stormed two of the country’s largest prisons, … Read more
