Haiti Declares State of Emergency and Imposes Curfew Amid Unprecedented Violence and Prison Breaks
In a harrowing turn of events, Haiti has plunged into a state of emergency and imposed a nighttime curfew following a surge of violence that saw armed gangs attack the country’s largest prisons, resulting in the release of numerous inmates. The government’s swift response included a 72-hour state of emergency declaration and the enforcement of a curfew from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. The measures aim to restore order and regain control amid a deteriorating security situation, particularly in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince.
The violence unfolded as gangs orchestrated coordinated attacks on the National Penitentiary, Haiti’s largest prison, and a second facility in Croix des Bouquets, leading to a mass prison break. The attackers, heavily armed criminals, targeted the prisons to free individuals detained for serious offenses such as kidnapping and murder. The government’s statement highlighted the escalating violence, including kidnappings, assassinations, violence against women and children, and widespread looting.
Reports indicate that hundreds, if not thousands, of inmates successfully escaped from the National Penitentiary, leaving fewer than 100 behind. The true extent of the prison break remains uncertain, as chaos and insecurity persist. Disturbing images of bodies strewn on the ground around the prison underscore the brutality of the attacks.
Haiti has experienced a surge in violence over the past few days, marked by a series of coordinated gang attacks since February 29. The internal police summary suggests that the gangs’ objectives include immobilizing the Haitian National Police and destabilizing the government, leading to chaos and panic. Notably, former police officer Jimmy Chérizier, known as Barbecue and a powerful gang leader, has claimed responsibility for the attacks, vowing to continue the fight against the state.
The situation has been exacerbated by the absence of Acting Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry, currently out of the country in Kenya, attempting to secure the deployment of a UN-authorized security force. Gunfire has echoed through the streets of Port-au-Prince, with gang members engaging in street battles and infiltrating government and police facilities. The violence even reached the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy and disrupted operations at Toussaint Louverture International Airport.
As a result of the ongoing turmoil, at least four police officers have lost their lives since Wednesday. The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince has issued a warning urging Americans to leave immediately, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. The deteriorating security conditions have also affected local organizations, with reports of staff facing constant stress and challenges in ensuring the safety of their operations.
Haiti’s largest and notorious prison, the National Penitentiary, has become a symbol of the country’s struggles, housing everyone from gang leaders to corrupt politicians. The recent events underscore the urgent need for national and international efforts to address the root causes of violence, strengthen law enforcement, and restore stability to a nation grappling with profound challenges. As Haiti confronts this critical juncture, the world watches with concern, hoping for a swift resolution and a path towards lasting peace.