The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has set up a 24-hour Control Room in the view of the ongoing developments in Haiti for Indian nationals living in the country. The step has been taken to monitor the situation in Haiti and also provide information and assistance. The ministry has also shared the contact details of the same.
In recent times, armed groups have dominated headlines across the world. As per reports, the armed gunmen have attacked prisons and critical infrastructure along with other institutions in the capital Port-au-Prince. Due to this the entire nation has become paralysed. Importantly, the Prime Minister of Haiti Ariel Henry had recently announced his decision to resign from the post after a new president of the country is chosen and his successor is named.
However, his decision to resign has not done much to ease the tensions with gangs, which control most parts of the capital. The gangs have also threatened to oppose any international intervention including from the United Nations. The Global body has announced to send a multilateral armed force sent by Kenya and help Haiti police in tackling unrest and violence.
There are nearly 200 gangs that are operating in the country. Half of them are present in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. It may be noted that there are two major gang coalitions in the capital itself. One of them known as the G9 Family and Allies Alliance is led by Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier, a former Haiti police officer. The other one known as GPep is led by Gabriel Jean Pierre. He was earlier a part of gang known as Nana Brooklyn, after which he formed a new gang.
The helpline numbers are:
· 1800118797 (Toll free)
· +91-11-23012113
· +91-11-23014104
· +91-11-23017905
· +91-9968291988 (WhatsApp)
· Email: situationroom@mea.gov.in
Apart from this, the Indian Embassy in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, which is accredited to the Republic of Haiti has also set up an 24hours emergency helpline which can be accessed as per contact details given below.
v +1 (849) 398-9889
v +1 (809) 870-3923
v +1 (849) 507-7612
v Landline: +1 8298934233, Extn: 203
v Landline: +1 8298934233, Extn: 213
v Email: amb.sdomingo@mea.gov.in
v hoc.sdomingo@mea.gov.in
v com.sdomingo@mea.gov.in
v cons.sdomingo@mea.gov.in
