Canada, U.S. urge citizens to leave Haiti due to ‘deteriorating’ safety amid fuel crisis
Global News
The rare warnings come as Haiti's government and police are struggling to control gangs that have blocked fuel distribution terminals for several weeks.
Canada is pulling all non-essential staff from its embassy in Haiti and urging Canadian travellers to leave the country amid deepening insecurity and a severe lack of fuel that has affected hospitals, schools and banks.
Global Affairs Canada said in a statement Thursday it is temporarily withdrawing non-essential Canadian employees as well as family members of embassy staff.
“The security situation in Haiti is rapidly deteriorating and is being exacerbated by ongoing fuel shortages,” the statement reads.
The agency said the embassy in Port-au-Prince remains open to assist Canadians currently in the country.
On Wednesday, the government advised that Canadians should “consider leaving if you can do so safely” if their presence isn’t essential. Canadians are also advised not to travel to the country “due to severe fuel shortages, the risk of kidnapping and civil unrest.”
That rare warning was echoed by the U.S. State Department on Wednesday, which came as Haiti’s government and police are struggling to control gangs that have blocked fuel distribution terminals for several weeks.
“Widespread fuel shortages may limit essential services in an emergency, including access to banks, money transfers, urgent medical care, internet and telecommunications, and public and private transportation options,” the State Department warned.