Port-au-Prince, Haiti – Two police stations near Haiti’s National Palace faced attacks by armed individuals on Friday night, amidst escalating gang violence in the capital. The situation remains tense as law enforcement tries to regain control in the face of highly coordinated assaults on state institutions and police by gang leader Jimmy Cherizier.
The unrest in Haiti has prompted international responses, with the US State Department evacuating non-essential personnel from the embassy due to increased gang violence. President Joe Biden approved the operation, expressing deep concern for the situation unfolding in the Caribbean nation.
As the violence intensifies, diplomatic missions in Port-au-Prince, including those of Germany and the European Union, have evacuated staff members. Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who has been facing challenges since leaving for Kenya, is now believed to be in Puerto Rico after being denied landing in the Dominican Republic.
The chaos in Haiti has led to a state of emergency in the West Region and the capital, with a curfew in place to maintain order. Tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes, adding to the already substantial number of displaced individuals due to gang violence.
Hospitals have become targets for gangs, leaving only one public hospital operational in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince. The situation has been described as “chaotic” by Pierre Espérance, Executive Director of the Haitian Human Rights Defense Network, who sees no immediate end to the crisis.
CARICOM, a regional bloc of 25 countries, is set to convene a meeting regarding Haiti in Kingston, Jamaica, to address economic integration and security issues. The future remains uncertain for Haiti as leaders and international bodies navigate the country’s turbulent political and security landscape.