Latin America

Haiti crisis goes from bad to worse amid fuel and water shortages

Political conflict has led to a blockade at Haiti's ports, stopping fuel from reaching the capital, causing water shortages and public health risks

haiti crisis
Police troops protect a gas station in Port-au-Prince. Photo: Orlando Barría/EFE/Folhapress

Without a president since the July assassination of Jovenel Moïse, the political crisis in Haiti has now left the capital of Port-au-Prince without fuel, safe drinking water, and public transport. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) health teams around the country’s biggest city have complained of difficulties in treating patients and the situation only seems to be getting worse.

Two MSF emergency centers and a hospital in Port-au-Prince only have enough energy left for the next three weeks. One such facility in the impoverished capital district of Cité Soleil runs the risk of losing power in just over two weeks.

The supply crisis is directly linked to the country’s political turmoil and the presidential assassination four months ago. Armed rebel groups rose up against acting president Ariel Henry, who they claim was behind Mr. Moïse’s murder. Factions controlling the outskirts of Port-au-Prince shut off access to ports days ago, stopping fuel from reaching the capital and cities around Haiti. They demand that Mr. Henry steps down before re-establishing access to ports.

The fuel shortage has also reduced...

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