PORT-AU-PRINCE: In response to a deadly gang assault on Port-au-Prince’s main prison that led to the escape of thousands of inmates, Haiti’s government has declared a state of emergency and imposed a nighttime curfew in the central Ouest region, including the capital city. The curfew, which will be in effect from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Wednesday, aims to restore order and security following the recent wave of extreme violence in the area.
The attack on the National Penitentiary in Port-au-Prince resulted in the death of about a dozen individuals, with only a fraction of the estimated 3,800 inmates remaining inside the facility following the assault. Pierre Esperance of the National Network for Defense of Human Rights reported numerous prisoner fatalities and a significant number of escapees.
Significant efforts are being made by the Haitian government to enforce the curfew and address the escalating security concerns in the region. Economy Minister Patrick Michel Boisvert, acting as the prime minister, emphasized the need to use all legal means to regain control of the situation and restore order in the country. Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who was in Kenya to sign an agreement for the deployment of police forces to Haiti, is facing increasing pressure from armed groups seeking his resignation.
The deteriorating security situation in Haiti, characterized by rampant kidnapping and violent crimes, underscores the urgent need for international support and intervention. While the UN Security Council approved an international police support mission to Haiti led by Kenya, ongoing legal challenges have cast uncertainty over the deployment of these forces.
Gang violence and political instability have plagued Haiti for years, with the assassination of President Jovenel Moise exacerbating the chaos. Amid calls for Prime Minister Henry’s resignation and demands for political reforms, the country continues to grapple with a leadership vacuum and a volatile security environment. The international community’s assistance and concerted efforts are crucial in addressing the deep-rooted challenges facing Haiti and restoring stability in the region.