Haiti is under a state of emergency following a massive jailbreak where over 3,000 inmates fled from the country’s two largest prisons, exacerbating the ongoing violence and chaos. Armed gangs, led by notorious figure Jimmy Chérizier, orchestrated the escape, intensifying the crisis as the government struggles to regain control. The turmoil coincides with Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s efforts abroad to secure international support, while the national police force is stretched thin, facing an uphill battle against the gangs that dominate the capital.
In a dramatic escalation of Haiti’s security crisis, the nation has declared a three-day state of emergency and imposed a night-time curfew after a coordinated attack on its two largest prisons resulted in the escape of more than 3,000 inmates. This incident marks a significant uptick in the violence plaguing the Caribbean country, where law enforcement struggles against well-armed gangs.
The finance minister, Patrick Boisvert, temporarily leading the country, announced that police would utilize all legal resources to recapture the escapees and restore order. The situation is further complicated by the absence of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who is abroad seeking support for a UN-backed initiative to stabilize Haiti.
Amidst this chaos, Jimmy Chérizier, also known as Barbecue, a former police officer turned gang leader, has emerged as a central figure, claiming responsibility for the attacks and voicing intentions to disrupt the government’s functioning further.
The scale of the jailbreaks is unprecedented, with the majority of inmates from the national penitentiary in Port-au-Prince now at large, leaving behind a scene of disarray and a significantly understaffed prison system. This mass escape has raised fears of increased violence and lawlessness in a country where gangs already wield significant power, controlling large portions of the capital.
The international community, including the United States and the United Nations, has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation, urging swift action to address the crisis. However, the response has been hampered by legal and logistical challenges, including a recent ruling by Kenya’s high court affecting a proposed deployment of Kenyan police to aid Haiti.
This turmoil occurs against a backdrop of political instability, with Haiti having postponed elections for nearly a decade, further complicating efforts to restore order and governance. As the country grapples with this escalating crisis, the international community watches closely, calling for urgent and coordinated action to prevent further deterioration of Haiti’s security and stability.
(Associated Medias) – All rights reserved.