Haiti Extends State of Emergency and Curfew Amid Violent Gang Attacks
In a desperate attempt to quell the violent gang attacks that have plunged Haiti into chaos, the government has announced an extension of the state of emergency and nighttime curfew. The capital city of Port-au-Prince has been paralyzed by these relentless assaults, as rival gangs vie for political power. Despite an initial three-day curfew imposed over the weekend, the gangs have continued their onslaught on police stations and other state institutions, overwhelming the already stretched national police force.
The wave of violence erupted just a week after Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who is currently seeking stability and order in his country, agreed to hold general elections in mid-2025 during a meeting with Caribbean leaders in Guyana. However, this decision seems to have triggered the wrath of the gangs, who have unleashed a reign of terror upon the city. Police stations have been set ablaze, the main international airport remains closed after being riddled with bullets, and Haiti’s two largest prisons have been raided, resulting in the escape of over 4,000 dangerous inmates.
In an effort to combat the escalating crisis, Prime Minister Henry had traveled to Kenya to seek assistance from a United Nations-backed police force. However, a court ruling in January deemed this deployment unconstitutional, leaving Haiti in a precarious position as it grapples with mounting violence. The situation has become so dire that Prime Minister Henry was forced to land in Puerto Rico on Tuesday after armed groups laid siege to the international airport, preventing his return.
Tragically, the recent gang attacks have claimed numerous lives, including those of several police officers. The violence has also left over 15,000 people homeless, adding to the already staggering number of 300,000 Haitians who have lost their homes due to gang warfare in recent years. The situation is further exacerbated by reports of gangs looting shipping containers filled with food at the main port in Port-au-Prince, raising concerns about dwindling provisions in the capital and beyond.
Caribbean Port Services, the operator of the port, has been forced to suspend all operations due to what they describe as “malicious acts of sabotage and vandalism.” The sound of gunfire echoes through the streets of Port-au-Prince, with barricades of blazing tires obstructing movement in certain areas. Frustrated and desperate for change, citizens have taken to the streets, demanding new leaders who can steer the country away from its current turmoil. Schools and businesses remain closed, but a glimmer of hope emerges as a few neighborhoods witness the reopening of select stores and banks, albeit under a limited schedule.
Throughout this tumultuous period, Prime Minister Henry has remained silent, refraining from making any public comments since the gang attacks began. As the violence continues to escalate and the nation teeters on the brink of collapse, the people of Haiti anxiously await decisive action and strong leadership to restore peace and stability to their beleaguered homeland.