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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Sept 27 – Haiti’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security announced enhanced measures to combat piracy targeting the country’s import sector, which has seen increased disruption in recent weeks. The government will involve the National Police, the Haitian Armed Forces, and the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) to ensure the safety of port operations.
One of the key measures includes escorting merchant ships as they arrive at and depart from the port in Port-au-Prince, following a recent incident where four vessels left the bay prematurely due to security concerns caused by criminal groups.
The government, led by interim Prime Minister Garry Conille, will deploy three patrol boats to safeguard maritime operations. One boat will cover the waters near La Gonâve to escort ships halfway, another will guide them into port, and the third will escort them as they exit Port-au-Prince.
The decision comes after armed gangs attacked merchant ships and kidnapped two Filipino crew members near the port. Criminal groups have also targeted the port directly, firing shots at vessels and prompting authorities to demolish buildings used by attackers to launch these assaults.
In addition to piracy, smuggling from the neighboring Dominican Republic has been on the rise, raising questions about who benefits from disrupting Haiti’s import operations. The violence has caused the closure of vital facilities like Caribbean Port Services (CPS), which shut down land access to its terminal between September 26-29.
Amid growing concerns, Haitian leaders at the United Nations General Assembly warned of worsening insecurity in the country, despite the presence of a partially deployed UN-backed security force. “This situation is not only a humanitarian emergency but a threat to the stability of our nation,” said Edgard Leblanc Fils, president of Haiti’s transitional council.
Haiti’s main ports and international airport were previously shut down for nearly three months earlier this year due to gang violence, which peaked in February, leading to prison escapes and the resignation of the country’s previous prime minister.
