Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s Plane Lands in Puerto Rico Amid Crisis in Port-au-Prince
The Caribbean nation of Haiti has been plunged into chaos as Port-au-Prince, its capital city, faces a wave of highly coordinated gang attacks on law enforcement and state institutions. In the midst of this crisis, the whereabouts of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry had been a subject of speculation. However, it has now been confirmed that his plane landed in Puerto Rico on Tuesday, according to Sheila Angleró Mojica, the spokesperson for Puerto Rico’s governor.
While there are no additional details available about the prime minister’s arrival in Puerto Rico, it has been revealed that federal agents from the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are in charge. The situation in Port-au-Prince has escalated rapidly, with armed groups burning down police stations and releasing thousands of inmates from two prisons. One gang leader even claimed that these actions were an attempt to overthrow Henry’s government.
Interestingly, the violence erupted while Henry was in Kenya, where he had signed an agreement for a Kenyan-led mission of 1,000 police officers to restore security in Haiti. His last public appearance was in Kenya on Friday before his unexpected arrival in Puerto Rico. The suddenness of his return has raised questions about the prime minister’s plans and strategy to address the crisis back home.
In response to the escalating violence, Haiti’s government declared a state of emergency on Sunday. The United Nations has reported that 15,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in Port-au-Prince, adding to the already staggering number of over 300,000 individuals who had been displaced due to gang violence. Finance Minister Patrick Boivert stated that the state of emergency was necessary due to the “deterioration of security” and the increasing prevalence of violent criminal acts committed by armed gangs. These acts include kidnappings, killings of citizens, violence against women and children, and looting.
The situation in Haiti is dire, with the government struggling to maintain control and protect its citizens. Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s unexpected arrival in Puerto Rico raises questions about his plans to address the crisis and restore stability in his country. As the international community closely watches the developments in Haiti, it is clear that immediate action is needed to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of the Haitian people.