In a recent development in Haiti, an American nurse and her child who were kidnapped last month have been released by their abductors. The nurse, Alix Dorsainvil, was working for the nonprofit Christian ministry, El Roi Haiti, when she and her young daughter were seized in late July. Witnesses reported that armed men stormed into the organization's clinic and abducted Dorsainvil. The news of their release was confirmed by El Roi Haiti in a statement on their website, expressing gratitude and joy for their safe return. The organization, however, did not provide any details about how the pair's release was secured or their plans for returning to the United States.
The kidnapping of Dorsainvil and her child had drawn international attention to the deteriorating security situation in Port-au-Prince, which has been plagued by violence and controlled by criminal gangs for months. The U.S. State Department had remained silent about any demands made by the kidnappers, and the local community had expressed anger and demanded their release. Approximately 200 Haitians marched through Port-au-Prince to protest the abduction and show support for Dorsainvil.
The situation in Haiti has been dire, with the country struggling to recover from political instability and the devastating earthquake in 2021. Gangs have taken control of large parts of Port-au-Prince, prompting a mass exodus of over 165,000 Haitians who have sought refuge elsewhere. The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince closed its consular services due to ongoing gunfire in the area.
In response to the security crisis in Haiti, the Kenyan government has offered to lead a multinational force, including 1,000 Kenyan police officers, to help restore order. The Bahamas has also pledged support by providing 150 personnel. The Biden administration has expressed support for this plan and is seeking approval from the United Nations Security Council for the deployment of such a contingent.
As the situation in Haiti continues to unfold, El Roi Haiti has requested privacy for Dorsainvil and her family as they process and heal from their traumatic experience. The nonprofit organization has promised to release further information as appropriate on their website.
