Haiti Declares State of Emergency In Response to Increased Insecurity and Violence by Armed Gangs

This attack comes amid a climate of increasing violence, where gangs are estimated to control approximately 80 per cent of the territory of Port-au-Prince. Dec 19, 2024 Photo: EFE

December 19, 2024 Hour: 8:15 pm

Authorities have expressed their determination to restore security, ensure the proper functioning of institutions, and raise awareness about the critical problems facing the country. “We are determined to take all necessary measures to restore national dignity,” stated the government.

Haiti has declared a state of emergency in response to increased insecurity and violence by armed gangs. The Haitian government announced that the state of emergency will take effect on Sunday, December 22, 2024, and will last until January 21, 2025. This measure aims to facilitate the interventions of the Haitian National Police in combating armed gangs that have intensified their attacks on the civilian population.

The decision was made during a meeting of the Council of Ministers, chaired by Leslie Voltaire, Chairman of the Transitional Presidential Council, and Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé.

At this session, a National Security Council (CNS) was established to address various aspects of the security crisis affecting the country. This new body aligns with commitments made in the agreement of April 3, 2024, which seeks a “peaceful and orderly transition” in Haiti.

@haiti_wire
The Haitian government has created the National Security Council (CNS) to coordinate responses to escalating violence and insecurity. The initiative follows a series of measures, including a nationwide state of emergency, aimed at restoring stability. Get the full…
— Haiti Wire (@haiti_wire) December 19, 2024

The security situation has escalated dramatically in recent weeks. Gang members led by former policeman Jimmy Cherisier, known as “Barbacue,” recently attacked Bernard Maevs Hospital, setting fire to the premises with Molotov cocktails.

This attack comes amid a climate of increasing violence, with gangs estimated to control approximately 80 percent of Port-au-Prince’s territory.

The government’s response to these acts of violence has been strong, condemning “firmly” the attack on the health center and reaffirming its commitment to combat crime. The situation has become even more critical following the death of Kendy, alias “Jeff Mafia,” considered the number two in Barbacue’s gang, who was shot by police during an exchange of fire.

With this state of emergency, the Haitian government aims not only to halt the wave of violence but also to address the agricultural and food crisis affecting the population amidst a context where insecurity poses a constant threat to citizens’ lives and well-being.