PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — On Tuesday, Haiti’s Justice Ministry issued a call for enhanced security measures for Prime Minister Garry Conille and other members of the Cabinet amid indications that they could be at risk from potential threats.

The ministry disclosed that it had received “consistent and persistent” intelligence suggesting that certain unnamed groups may be plotting against top officials, aiming to instill “trouble and panic within the nation.” In response, the ministry has urged law enforcement and judicial entities to implement “appropriate measures” to ensure the safety of these officials.

There has been no response from the prime minister’s office or judicial representatives concerning the ministry’s statement.

This alert comes at a time when gang-related violence is intensifying in various neighborhoods of Haiti’s capital, particularly in areas that have managed to remain beyond direct gang influence. This spike in violence follows only months after a United Nations-supported initiative involving Kenyan police began operations. As a result of the recent violence, over 4,000 individuals have been displaced in communities across Port-au-Prince, notably in areas such as Solino and Tabarre 27.

The rise in violence, which commenced approximately a week ago, has been attributed to a gang alliance known as “Viv Ansanm,” which has orchestrated significant assaults targeting critical government facilities since February. These attacks were substantial enough to precipitate the resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

Additionally, the ministry’s warning stirs concern among the public, especially considering the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse at his home in July 2021.