PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – The government of Haiti has declared a state of emergency and implemented a nightly curfew in response to escalating gang violence in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. This move comes as the nation grapples with a surge in violent attacks that have left the population in fear and chaos.
Gangs have been targeting police stations and other government institutions, overwhelming the country’s National Police force. The ongoing violence has been described as a battle for political power, with armed groups wielding significant influence in Haitian politics.
The recent wave of attacks began after Prime Minister Ariel Henry agreed to hold general elections in mid-2025 while attending a regional meeting in Guyana. However, the decision has only fueled more violence, with gangs setting fires, attacking police stations, and even raiding prisons to free thousands of inmates.
Despite efforts by the prime minister to seek international assistance, such as pushing for a U.N.-backed police force from Kenya, legal challenges and a lack of resources have hindered these efforts. With the main international airport closed due to security concerns, Henry has been forced to divert his return to Haiti and is currently in Puerto Rico.
The violence has resulted in numerous casualties, including police officers and innocent civilians, and has left thousands of people homeless. Reports of looting at the main port in Port-au-Prince have raised concerns about dwindling food supplies in the capital and surrounding areas.
Amid the chaos, international organizations like the World Food Program have faced challenges in delivering much-needed aid to the country. The United Nations has called for urgent action to prevent further deterioration of the situation and has emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Haiti.
As the country faces mounting challenges, neighboring nations like the Bahamas have taken measures to address the influx of displaced Haitians seeking refuge. The United States and other global partners have also urged the Haitian government to prioritize a political process that will lead to stability and inclusive governance.
With the situation in Haiti showing no signs of improvement, concerned citizens and local businesses are increasingly feeling the impact of the violence. Amid the uncertainty and unrest, calls for leadership and unity to address the root causes of the crisis continue to grow.