Only “essential personnel” will stay at Canada’s embassy in Haiti as Ottawa says it’s briefly lowering the scale of its mission within the Caribbean nation.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) mentioned in a statement Thursday it’s doing so given the “volatile situation” within the nation.
“Canada is temporarily drawing down to essential personnel at its embassy in Haiti. Relocated personnel will continue to fulfill their duties from a third country. In similar situations, temporary drawdowns of missions are not uncommon,” GAC mentioned.
“In these difficult times, Canada’s embassy will continue to support Canadians who remain in the country, as well as Haiti and the Haitian people. Canada’s ambassador to Haiti will also remain in the country and continue to engage Haitian stakeholders and international partners toward the implementation of the political agreement.”
Other nations have additionally moved non-essential workers in another country over the previous week.
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly mentioned the drawdown will enable remaining workers to do their work, regardless of having fewer provides.
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“We are committed to supporting Haiti and the Haitian people, today and in the long term,” Joly mentioned in an announcement on the social media platform X.
“Our immediate priority remains the safety and security of Canadians, and this intervention will help ensure it.”
The improvement comes two days after unelected Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry agreed to resign as soon as a transitional council is shaped to supervise a world army intervention led by Kenya.
Haiti has been in a profound safety disaster since mid-2021 when gangs took management of key infrastructure and began violent turf wars which have led to a collapse of most medical and meals techniques within the nation.
Haiti declared a state of emergency early this month as clashes broken communications and led to 2 jail breaks after Jimmy “Barbeque” Cherizier, a frontrunner of an alliance of armed teams, mentioned they might unite and overthrow Henry.
GAC has instructed Canadians in Haiti to shelter in place, and if they will’t, they need to restrict actions and preserve a low profile when going outdoors.
GAC added the federal authorities isn’t planning assisted departures or repatriation flights for Canadians in Haiti presently.
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