Hundreds of Prisoners Escape from Haiti’s National Penitentiary Amid Violent Unrest
In a shocking turn of events, hundreds of prisoners have managed to escape from Haiti’s National Penitentiary in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. The chaos erupted on Saturday as fighting broke out, leading to a complete breakdown of security within the prison walls. According to a law enforcement source, the situation quickly spiraled out of control, resulting in the mass escape.
The violence that unfolded in Port-au-Prince over the past few days has been described as unprecedented by multiple security sources. It began on Thursday and has since targeted police stations, the international airport, and now the National Penitentiary. The city is in a state of turmoil, with law enforcement struggling to maintain control.
The gravity of the situation prompted one of Haiti’s Police Unions to issue a desperate plea for assistance. They called upon all officers in the capital who had access to cars and weapons to join the battle against the attackers. The union warned that if the assailants succeeded, the consequences would be dire. They stated, “we are done. No one will be spared in the capital because there will be 3,000 extra bandits now effective.”
Adding fuel to the fire, notorious gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, also known as Barbecue, declared his intention to oust Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Cherizier, a former police officer who heads an alliance of gangs, called for the arrest of Henry, holding him responsible for the country’s current state. He proclaimed, “With these weapons, we will liberate the country, and these weapons will change the country.” It is worth noting that Cherizier has faced sanctions from both the United Nations and the United States Department of Treasury.
The unrest in Haiti has been building for some time, with public frustration mounting against Prime Minister Ariel Henry. His failure to curb the violence and his refusal to step down last month have only exacerbated the situation. Under a previous agreement, Henry had committed to holding elections and transferring power by February 7. However, he has failed to fulfill this promise, leading to further unrest.
Caribbean leaders recently announced that Henry had agreed to hold general elections no later than August 31, 2025. However, this commitment did little to quell the anger and frustration of the Haitian people. The recent surge in violence coincided with Henry’s visit to Kenya, where he was finalizing details for the expected deployment of a multinational security support mission to Haiti.
The impact of the ongoing unrest is not limited to the prison break and attacks on police stations. Gunfire near the airport on Thursday forced airlines to suspend flights, causing significant disruptions to travel plans. The US Embassy in Haiti issued a security alert, warning of gunshots and traffic disruptions in various areas, including the airport and surrounding locations.
Haiti has been plagued by a wave of unrest and gang violence in recent years. Warring gangs have taken control of much of Port-au-Prince, cutting off vital supply lines and terrorizing the population. The situation has forced over 300,000 people to flee their homes, seeking safety from indiscriminate killing, kidnapping, arson, and rape.
The month of January alone witnessed a staggering toll of violence, with over 1,100 people killed, injured, or kidnapped. The United Nations has labeled it the most violent month in two years, highlighting the urgent need for stability and security in the country.
As Haiti grapples with this latest crisis, the international community must come together to support the nation in restoring peace and order. The escape of hundreds of prisoners only adds to the already dire situation, posing a significant threat to the safety and well-being of the Haitian people. It is crucial that immediate action is taken to address the root causes of the unrest and to ensure the safety of all citizens. Only through a concerted effort can Haiti hope to overcome this turbulent chapter in its history and pave the way for a brighter future.