The government of Haiti reported this Wednesday that it will extend the state of emergency throughout the Western Department, where the capital is located, from this Thursday until May 3.
The authorities also decided to extend the curfew period throughout that district from this Wednesday until April 10.
These provisions have been taken in order to restore order and take appropriate measures to regain control of the situation, said the statement issued by the office of the interim prime minister, Michel Patrick Boisvert.
The curfew will extend from seven at night local time (24:00 GMT) until six in the morning local time next Wednesday (11:00 GMT).
This measure does not apply to law enforcement officers on duty, firefighters, ambulance drivers, health personnel and duly identified journalists.
During the period of the state of emergency, all demonstrations on public roads are prohibited, day or night, in the Western Department.
Consequently, the police were ordered to use all legal means at their disposal to enforce the curfew and arrest all violators.
Boisvert’s order does not surprise Haitians, since the situation of unstoppable violence that affects the capital, mainly, is maintained due to attacks everywhere by armed gangs that control or influence almost all of Port-au-Prince.
The provisions of the interim minister occur when expectations increase regarding meetings for the formation of the Presidential Council for the Transition in Haiti, promoted by the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and countries such as the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil, with the purpose of removing Haiti from a situation of unprecedented insecurity.
While these discussions are taking place, some areas of the metropolitan region of the capital presented an apparent calm this Wednesday, and in other areas intense shootings were heard throughout the day.
The Haiti National Police (PNH) intensified its operations as the only institution left standing in the country since the crisis broke out at the end of last February, and declares itself mobilized and determined to continue fighting against armed gangs in concert with the population.
In a statement made public this Wednesday, the PNH announced the death of a powerful gang leader in an exchange of gunfire, as well as the seizure of weapons and ammunition.
‘New York New York’the leader of the gang Cité Down Jacketin the commune of Croix-des-Bouquets, north of the capital, was killed, according to the police, during an operation to end banditry. EFE (I)
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