Haiti’s government has announced an extension of the state of emergency and nighttime curfew in an effort to combat the escalating violence caused by widespread gang attacks, particularly in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. The move comes as the country faces a fierce battle for political power amidst ongoing unrest and instability.
Initially implemented as a three-day curfew over the weekend, the measures have been extended as gangs continue to target police stations and other state institutions, crippling the city’s infrastructure and instilling fear among residents. Haiti’s National Police, grappling with limited resources and personnel, has struggled to contain the violence effectively.
According to experts, the armed gangs have emerged as significant players in Haitian politics, exerting influence and control through their violent actions. Robert Fatton, a Haitian politics expert at the University of Virginia, noted that “the people with the guns are essentially the current arbiter of Haitian politics,” underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The recent wave of violence erupted following Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s agreement to hold general elections in mid-2025 during a meeting of Caribbean leaders in Guyana. Gangs responded with a series of attacks, including burning police stations, targeting the main international airport, and orchestrating mass prison breaks that released over 4,000 inmates.
Prime Minister Henry, who was unable to return to Haiti due to the airport siege, has been advocating for international assistance in combating the gangs. However, efforts to deploy a U.N.-backed police force from Kenya have faced legal challenges, leaving the country’s security situation precarious.
The ongoing violence has resulted in a significant loss of life, including several police officers, and has displaced thousands of Haitians, exacerbating the country’s humanitarian crisis. Reports of looting at the main port in Port-au-Prince have raised concerns about food shortages, further compounding the challenges faced by the population.
As Haiti grapples with this latest wave of turmoil, urgent action is needed to restore stability, ensure the safety of citizens, and address the root causes of the violence. International support and cooperation will be crucial in navigating the complex political and security landscape and charting a path toward lasting peace and prosperity for the Haitian people.
