The Last Chance for U.S. Nationals to Flee Haiti Amid Ongoing Violence
The final opportunity for U.S. nationals to escape the violence-plagued Haiti on a government-chartered evacuation flight has come to an end, as chaos continues to grip the Caribbean nation.
CBS Miami's Tania Francois reported that the last scheduled evacuation flight from Haiti was set to land in South Florida on Friday afternoon.
Gunfire has been ringing out in the streets of Haiti's troubled capital, leading to the suspension of aid operations for citizens, as per The Associated Press.
Haiti, already grappling with years of political turmoil and gang violence, descended into further turmoil on Feb. 29 when armed gangs launched a coordinated assault on government establishments and infrastructure.
The dysfunctional government has declared a state of emergency, extended until May 3, with a nighttime curfew in effect until at least April 17, according to an official statement shared on social media.
The United Nations reports that over 1,550 individuals lost their lives in Haiti during the first quarter of 2024.
A comprehensive report released by the National Human Rights Defense Network of Haiti has been documenting cases of gang violence against civilians since Feb. 29. The report aims to bring justice by holding those responsible accountable for the atrocities committed.
The World Food Program of the United Nations announced an expansion of food assistance efforts in Haiti due to a surge in hunger levels. However, with ongoing chaos affecting the country's ports, the agency expressed concerns that food stocks may deplete by the end of the month.
Recent developments in Haiti include the establishment of a transitional presidential council to navigate the nation through its current political turmoil, as reported by the French news agency AFP. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere affairs, Brian Nichols, indicated that the council's formation was imminent during a panel discussion.
Following a meeting with human rights advocates and Haitian organizations, Democratic lawmakers have urged the U.S. government to increase support for Haiti, as reported by Reuters.
A call has been made to extend temporary protection status for Haitian migrants, halt forced deportations of Haitians from the U.S., and take new measures to combat weapons trafficking into the country which is located just about 700 miles from Miami.
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Florida Democrat and the sole Haitian-American representative in Congress, emphasized the urgency of finding a solution as the country reaches a critical juncture.
