Doctors Without Borders Withdraws from Port-au-Prince Amid Threats and Violence
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has withdrawn from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. They cite threats from the police as the main reason for their departure.
MSF stated, “We are used to working in extremely unsafe conditions in Haiti and elsewhere, but when even law enforcement becomes a threat, we have no choice but to stop our projects.”
Last week, an MSF ambulance was attacked by an unknown group and police officers. Two patients died, and MSF staff sustained injuries during the incident. Since then, MSF ambulance workers have faced repeated harassment and threats from officers.
Additionally, the airport in the capital temporarily closed after a gang shot at a U.S. passenger flight, injuring a crew member. Last month, a U.N. helicopter flying over Port-au-Prince was also shot at by gangs, but there were no injuries from that incident.
– What are the main reasons behind Doctors Without Borders’ withdrawal from Port-au-Prince, Haiti?
Interview with Dr. Emily Jensen, Humanitarian Specialist with Doctors Without Borders (MSF) on the Recent Withdrawal from Port-au-Prince, Haiti
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Jensen. Can you explain the decision made by Doctors Without Borders to withdraw from Port-au-Prince?
Dr. Emily Jensen: Thank you for having me. The decision to withdraw was incredibly difficult for us. MSF has a long-standing commitment to providing care in Haiti, and typically, we operate in very challenging environments. However, the recent escalation in violence, particularly involving police, forced us to reassess the safety of our staff and patients. We can overcome many obstacles, but when law enforcement becomes a threat, we have no choice but to stop our projects.
News Directory 3: The attack on your ambulance was a shocking incident. What immediate impact did it have on your operations?
Dr. Emily Jensen: The attack had devastating consequences. Two patients lost their lives, and several of our staff members were injured. This not only affected our ability to provide care in an already strained environment but also instilled fear among our team. Repeated harassment and threats from police have made it untenable for us to operate safely. Our primary concern is always the safety of our staff and patients.
News Directory 3: Given the long history of violence in Haiti, how do you compare the current situation with previous years?
Dr. Emily Jensen: The current crisis in Haiti is unprecedented. Gang violence has been rampant, and the United Nations estimates that gangs control about 85% of Port-au-Prince. While we have historically faced dangerous circumstances, the combination of gang influence and police aggression has reached alarming levels. This year alone, 4,900 people have died due to gang violence, and many are displaced. The situation is unbearable for many residents, and our ability to intervene has been severely compromised.
News Directory 3: You mentioned that the political landscape has influenced the health crisis. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Emily Jensen: Absolutely. Since the assassination of President Moïse in 2021, Haiti has not seen any elections. This political instability has exacerbated the security situation and hampered any effective governance. The recent removal of Prime Minister Conille just after six months in office adds to this uncertainty. With no clear leadership, it’s challenging for humanitarian organizations to navigate the complexities of providing aid in such a charged environment.
News Directory 3: What does the future hold for MSF’s operations in Haiti, and how can the international community assist?
Dr. Emily Jensen: The future is uncertain. We hope to return when it’s safe to do so, but we need to see improvements in security and stability. The international community can support Haiti by focusing on addressing the root causes of violence, investing in effective governance, and ensuring humanitarian access remains available without threat. Sustained support and collaboration are vital for recovery and rebuilding.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Dr. Jensen, for your insights. We appreciate the important work MSF does in challenging environments.
Dr. Emily Jensen: Thank you for shedding light on this critical issue. We remain committed to Haiti and hope for a brighter future for its people.
Haiti has been in crisis for years. The United Nations estimates that gangs control about 85% of the capital, and 4,900 people have died this year due to gang violence. Many others have been displaced.
Since the assassination of President Moïse in 2021, no elections have taken place. Prime Minister Conille was removed last week, just six months after taking office, with unclear reasons for his dismissal.