Government uses helicopter to rescue 7 Brazilians in Haiti

The federal government carried out an operation to remove 7 Brazilians from Haiti this Wednesday (April 10, 2024), according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Another 59 nationals identified by the Brazilian Embassy in Port-au-Prince, the Haitian capital, decided to remain in the country or chose to leave by their own means.

The evacuation of Brazilians was carried out in 2 helicopter flights, from Port-au-Prince to the border city of Jimaní, which is in the Dominican Republic. From there, the group, which included an elderly German citizen, was received by officials from the Embassy in Santo Domingos and transferred to that capital.

The Brazilian government’s move occurs in the context of the worsening security situation in Haiti. The conflict has killed thousands of people since the beginning of this year.

The capital’s airport is closed and Brazilian consular service in the country, in person, was suspended about 1 month ago. Militias and armed groups have invaded police stations, freed inmates from prisons and are now trying to take power.

Haiti’s last prime minister, Ariel Henry, resigned last month. He was out of the country and was unable to return.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas and is experiencing a profound humanitarian crisis. With around 80% of the population unemployed and 60% illiterate, the country has seen a deterioration in public security since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.

The case has not yet been solved and there are dozens of suspects, including the prime minister and Jovenel’s wife, Martine Moïse.

With information from Agência Brasil.