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The Bahamian government has granted members of its Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) deployed in Haiti the option to withdraw voluntarily due to escalating violence. Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell announced that the directive allows military personnel and Bahamian nationals in Haiti to leave at their discretion without requiring formal government approval, a rare move for those engaged in peacekeeping efforts.
This development reflects the Bahamian government’s concern for the safety of its deployed personnel, with Mitchell assuring that “no one is going to be in harm’s way” and highlighting that the situation in Haiti is being monitored “day to day, minute by minute.” Typically, formal orders are necessary for military personnel to be withdrawn from missions, making this allowance notably uncommon.
The Bahamas is participating in a Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) aimed at restoring order in Haiti, where criminal gangs have seized control over large parts of Port-au-Prince. As part of its commitment, the Bahamian government pledged to deploy 150 officers to this mission, with six currently stationed in Haiti.
In a related move, Bahamasair, the state-owned airline, has suspended flights to Haiti due to safety concerns following incidents of gunfire targeting planes from U.S. carriers Spirit Airlines and American Airlines. Mitchell described the airline’s decision as a necessary precaution “to protect life and limb.”
Meanwhile, Haiti’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, assumed office on Monday, stressing the urgent need to establish security across the country. “The first essential task that will determine the success of the transition is to re-establish the security of people, property and infrastructure, food security, and freedom of movement throughout the country,” Fils-Aimé stated.
His controversial appointment follows the replacement of interim Prime Minister Garry Conille, who was sworn in just four months ago but was absent during the official handover ceremony. The Presidential Transitional Council transferred power to Fils-Aimé, underscoring the ongoing political uncertainty in the country.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also addressed the growing crisis, urging for a halt to the violence to allow safe and sustained humanitarian access. According to UN figures, over 3,600 people have been killed in Haiti this year, and more than 500,000 have been displaced due to the turmoil.
