INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it is closely following the prevailing situation in Haiti where the citizens are reeling from the
spiral of violence that erupted after armed gangs took control of the capital city Port-au-Prince and other areas.In a statement issued on
Embassy of Sri Lanka in Cuba accredited to Haiti remains in regular contact with the respective companies, the Foreign Ministry
dominate a significant part of the territory and have access to key infrastructures, such as ports and airports.In early March, one of these
gangs orchestrated the escape of more than 3,600 prison inmates and unleashed a wave of terror in several areas of the country, leading to
the resignation of prime minister Ariel Henry.Amnesty International says the recent escalation of violence has reached alarming levels, with
reports of dozens of deaths, kidnappings, sexual violence against women and girls, and the forced displacement of more than 35,000 people
since the beginning of 2024.According to foreign media reports, the escalation of violence in Haiti has impeded access to healthcare
facilities, forced the closure of schools and worsened an already dire hunger crisis by cutting residents of gang-controlled areas off from
critical supplies.To seek refuge from the chaos, many have gathered in Cap-Haitien, a coastal city in the north of Haiti, which, in truth,
But crucially, not gang violence
Henry.The Haitian prime minister was in Kenya last week when the latest unrest began
Friday, but it remains unclear if and when the deployment might happen.Although some Haitian civil society leaders have raised concerns
gangs, which the UN estimates now control about 80 percent of the capital.Schools and banks were closed amid the latest uptick in violence,
and people sheltered for safety in schools, sports venues, gyms and public buildings, often without adequate toilets, health facilities or
drinking water.-with inputs from agencies
