Haiti Declares State of Emergency and Imposes Curfew as Gang Violence Escalates
Haiti is in a state of chaos as gang violence continues to escalate, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency and impose a curfew. The recent surge in violence reached its peak over the weekend when gangs targeted two of the country’s largest prisons, resulting in the escape of thousands of prisoners. At least 12 people have been reported dead so far.
The government wasted no time in implementing a 72-hour state of emergency, vowing to track down the escaped criminals responsible for the attacks. In addition, a curfew has been imposed from 6pm to 5am to ensure the safety of citizens. Finance Minister Patrick Boisvert, acting as prime minister while Ariel Henry is abroad seeking support for a United Nations-backed security force, emphasized that the police have been instructed to use all legal means necessary to enforce the curfew and apprehend offenders.
The violence is being orchestrated by gangs led by Jimmy Cherizier, also known as Barbecue, a former police officer who aims to force Prime Minister Ariel Henry out of power. The National Penitentiary, which housed approximately 3,800 inmates, was a primary target of the attacks. Pierre Esperance of the National Network for Defense of Human Rights reported that only about 100 inmates remained inside after the assault on Saturday night. The scene at the prison was grim, with numerous bodies scattered around and an open gate indicating a mass exodus.
Reports from various news agencies confirm the dire situation at the prison. An AFP reporter who visited the scene witnessed about a dozen bodies outside the facility, with hardly anyone left inside. Reuters also noted that there were no signs of police presence and that the main door was wide open. Inmates shared their harrowing experiences, with one unidentified prisoner recounting how they were awakened by the sound of bullets and found their cell barriers broken. The situation at another prison, Croix des Bouquets, remains unclear, but it is estimated that around 1,450 inmates were held there.
The Haitian government stated that the police attempted to repel the gang attack at both prisons. However, the extent of the damage and the number of escaped inmates from Croix des Bouquets are yet to be determined. The attacks resulted in several casualties among prison staff and inmates. Despite the chaos, the government expressed gratitude to the population for maintaining calm during these challenging times.
The violence in Haiti has been escalating rapidly following Jimmy Cherizier’s call for criminal groups to unite and overthrow Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Cherizier leads an alliance of gangs and is facing sanctions from both the United Nations and the United States. The situation has become increasingly dire, with nearly 15,000 people being displaced from their homes in recent days. Over the weekend, 10 sites hosting internally displaced people were emptied, according to the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The whereabouts of Prime Minister Ariel Henry remain unknown, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the situation. Henry had recently visited Kenya, where he signed a security deal to address gang violence. He was expected to return to Haiti, but his exact location is currently undisclosed. Henry, who assumed office in 2021 after the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise, had initially planned to step down by early February. However, he announced at a regional summit in Guyana before his trip to Kenya that he would only hold elections once the country’s stability improved, setting a target date of August 2025. The last elections in Haiti took place in 2016.
As Haiti grapples with this wave of violence and instability, it is crucial for authorities to regain control and ensure the safety of its citizens. The international community must also step up its efforts to support Haiti in restoring peace and security to the nation. Only through collective action and a commitment to justice can Haiti overcome this turbulent period and pave the way for a brighter future.