Dominican Republic, Spain and France close their embassies in Haiti

The Dominican Republic closed its embassy in Port-au-Prince on Thursday “until further notice” because of the deteriorating situation in Haiti.

This measure was also taken by other embassies, such as the Spanish, French and Canadian embassies.

Due to the severe political, social, economic, and violent crisis, the Dominican Embassy, in a statement published on Twitter, advised its nationals in Haiti to “exercise caution, limit their movements and carry essential items as much as possible,” such as non-perishable food and medicine.

The Spanish Embassy also remains closed “due to the ongoing demonstrations in Port-au-Prince,” the legation said on Twitter.

This measure was also taken at least by the embassies of France and Canada.

The Haitian capital was the scene of mass demonstrations, vandalism, and looting after Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced an increase in fuel prices in the country in the early hours of Monday.

The crisis in Haiti intensified after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse last July.

In Haiti, 4.9 million people, or 43% of the population, require humanitarian assistance.

This is compounded by clashes between armed gangs in the greater Port-au-Prince area, which have already killed more than 300 people and forced more than 3,000 to flee.

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This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief