Videos circulating on social networks show hundreds of people looting dozens of containers, snatching everything they found along the way in this port, the report said. The port is located in a neighborhood controlled by an armed gang headed by Jimmy Scherizye (nicknamed "Barbecue").
Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, has once again become a target for armed bandits, and the port is in chaos.
Reuters, citing UNICEF sources, reported that one of UNICEF's 17 aid containers was looted, while another 260 containers containing aid were controlled by armed groups.
UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) said that the incident on the 16th increased the burden on Haiti's already collapsed health system, and strongly condemned it.
UNICEF points out that the looted containers, which contain essential supplies for child survival, including resuscitators, early childhood development education supplies, water supplies and more, add to Haiti's already crumbling health system.
Bruno Metz, UNICEF's Representative in Haiti, said: "At a time when health systems are collapsing, taking away vital medical supplies from children is a violation of their rights. He added that the looting of children's survival necessities "must stop immediately and humanitarian entrances must remain secure." He also noted that this comes at a "critical time when children need them most".
"If the violence doesn't end and important logistical channels don't reopen, the health crisis will get worse," he said. We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe with little time left to turn the tide. ”
The security situation in Haiti has been deteriorating recently, with several gangs attacking public facilities in Port-au-Prince and demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Henry announced on the 11th that the Haitian government would resign after the establishment of the Transitional Presidential Council.
CMA CGM issued an announcement on its official website on the 15th, clearly stating that it would suspend its docking services at the port: In view of the continuous deterioration of the security situation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in order to ensure the safety of goods and personnel, it has been decided to suspend the docking service at the port and only dock at the Lafito terminal, which is 20 kilometers away from Port-au-Prince, until further notice.
During this period, CMA CGM will only accept bookings for the Lafito Pier for the time being. The terminal is still serviced by CMA CGM's weekly CAGEMA 2 service, which is operated by vessels owned by CMA CGM. At the same time, we will pay close attention to the changes in the situation and adjust the relevant service arrangements in a timely manner to ensure the safety and smoothness of shipping.
Previously, Maersk and ZIM had already issued notices on the suspension of booking services in Port-au-Prince.
On March 11, Maersk announced on its official website that in view of the extremely unstable current situation in Haiti, the company decided to suspend the acceptance of bookings to and from Haiti until further notice.
Maersk stressed that they are closely following developments in Haiti and that the current situation shows no signs of improving. In order to protect the interests of the customer, Maersk advises the customer to consider other alternatives, including changing the destination of the transported goods.
At the same time, Maersk also reminds customers that in view of the current chaotic situation in Haiti, they should fully consider the potential risks and additional costs that their goods may face.
ZIM announced that the booking service in Port-au-Prince has been suspended with immediate effect until further notice.
At the same time, the office in Haiti will be temporarily closed due to the safety of employees, while employees will work remotely, maintaining business continuity as the situation allows.
Over the past few weeks, civil unrest in Haiti has continued to unfold, with heavily armed criminals sacking Port-au-Prince, the country's largest port, on more than one occasion, severely affecting its import and export operations, making it difficult for customers to enter the port to unload or pick up containers, disrupting operations.
On March 7, local time, the Caribbean Port Service Terminal, the main terminal in Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, had to announce the suspension of operations after being attacked by gang militants.
The security situation in Haiti has deteriorated dramatically recently, with the National Prison burned down and prisoners evacuated after a fire broke out in the National Penitentiary. Violence is frequent, and social unrest is unstable. Gang fighting and criminal activity are rampant, resulting in innocent civilian casualties and property damage. The capital, Port-au-Prince, became a besieged city.
Here's a special reminder that freight forwarders and cargo owners who have been involved in Haiti-related business in the near future should pay close attention to the latest situation, pay attention to the risks of goods and payments, and be prepared to deal with them.
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