04/03/2024
Haiti Declares State of Emergency and Curfew Following Prison Break and Surge of Violence.
The government declared a state of emergency and imposed a night-time curfew late Sunday to regain control amidst escalating violence. The emergency measures, effective for 72 hours, aim to apprehend escaped criminals after armed gang members stormed the two largest prisons.
Finance Minister Patrick Boivert, acting as the interim prime minister, authorized the police to utilise all legal means to enforce the curfew and arrest offenders. Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s recent diplomatic efforts to establish a United Nations-backed security force abroad underscored the country urgent need for stability amid clashes with powerful criminal factions.
The full weekend of violence, including coordinated attacks on police stations and other key institutions, resulted in multiple fatalities, including police officers. The assault on the National Penitentiary marked a new level of turmoil, with nearly all inmates fleeing during the chaos, leaving the facility deserted and unguarded.
Among those who remained 18 former Colombian soldiers implicated in the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. In a distressing video, they pleaded for help as violence erupted within the prison walls.
The unrest extended beyond the prison walls, with widespread gunfire reported in several neighbourhoods and a second prison overrun by gangs. The main soccer stadium was also occupied and vandalized, and internet services disrupted due to infrastructure damage.
The recent wave of violence underscores the struggle of Haiti to combat organized crime, with gangs controlling significant parts of the capital. Former police officer turned gang leader, Jimmy Chérizier, has claimed responsibility for the attacks, targeting police leadership and government officials.
As Haiti reels from the escalation in violence, concerns about the safety of citizens and the effectiveness of law enforcement persist. The Prime Minister return remains uncertain amidst calls for his resignation and questions about the security landscape of the nation.
By Sara Hamrani