Canada is withdrawing all non-essential staff from its embassy Haiti It also urges Canadian travelers to leave the country when insecurity has increased and a severe lack of fuel affects hospitals, schools and banks.
The Canadian Department of Global Affairs said in a statement on Thursday that it will temporarily withdraw non-essential Canadian employees and family members of embassy staff.
The statement read: “The security situation in Haiti is rapidly deteriorating, and is exacerbated by continued fuel shortages.”
The agency stated that the embassy in Port-au-Prince is still open to assist Canadians currently in the country.
On Wednesday, the government advised Canadians that if their presence is not necessary, they should “consider leaving when it is safe.” Also recommended for Canadians “Due to severe fuel shortages, kidnapping and the risk of civil unrest”, do not travel to the country.
The U.S. State Department responded to this rare warning on Wednesday, when the Haitian government and police were trying to control gangs that blocked fuel distribution terminals for several weeks.
The U.S. State Department warned that “general fuel shortages may limit essential services in emergencies, including banking, remittances, emergency medical care, the Internet and telecommunications, and public and private transportation options.”
Global News asked the Canadian Department of Global Affairs how many Canadians are currently believed to be in Haiti. The US State Department told the Associated Press that it did not provide statistics on Americans living abroad.
The warning comes as the US and Haitian authorities are trying to ensure the safe release of 17 members of a missionary group from the Ohio Christian Aid Department kidnapped by the 400 Mawozo gang on October 16. Among the 16 people, there are 5 children US citizens and one Canadian citizen. Their Haitian driver was also kidnapped.
In a statement on Wednesday, the organization said: “We ask to continue to pray for the kidnappers and ask God to soften their hearts.” “As you pray, remember the millions of Haitians who are going through periods of severe turmoil and turmoil. “
On Tuesday, senior Haitian government officials acknowledged a general lack of fuel at a press conference and said they are working to resolve the situation, although they did not provide any details. The gas station remains closed on Thursday.
Defense Minister Enold Joseph said that the government is investigating why the 30 fuel tanks sent to the southern region of Haiti were missing, adding that he observed gasoline being sold on the black market.
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Fuel shortages also threaten Haitian’s water supply, which relies on generators, and hospitals in Port-au-Prince and other areas.
On Wednesday, Médecins Sans Frontières warned that since last week, shortages have forced it to reduce medical services and that staff only treat life-threatening patients. The aid organization said that if the new supply does not arrive, its hospitals and emergency centers will run out of generator fuel in three weeks or less.
“With the escalation of tensions and armed conflict in the Haitian capital, shortages of fuel, public transportation and drinking water are putting medical facilities and patients at risk,” the aid organization said. “Almost all public and private medical institutions in Port-au-Prince have stopped or restricted accepting only acute cases, or closed their doors due to similar problems.”
Médecins Sans Frontières also stated that due to the scarcity of public transportation, insufficient fuel prevented staff from reaching the hospital. This is a problem seen elsewhere. Parents cannot send their children to school, and some employees cannot go to work.
This situation has also led to soaring food prices in a country with more than 11 million people, where more than 60% of the population earn less than US$2 a day. At the same time, the current price of a gallon of gasoline (if available) is $15.
-File from the Associated Press
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