Port-au-Prince, Haiti – The ongoing violent gang attacks in Port-au-Prince have led the Haitian government to extend a state of emergency and nighttime curfew in an attempt to curb the escalating situation. This decision comes after initial measures failed to contain the violence as gangs continued to target police stations and other state institutions, highlighting the current struggle for political power in the country.
According to experts, the armed groups have become the de facto rulers of Haiti, exerting significant influence over the political landscape. The recent wave of attacks began shortly after Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s agreement to hold general elections in mid-2025, a move that sparked further unrest and violence across the capital.
In the midst of the chaos, efforts to bring in external assistance from a U.N.-backed police force from Kenya have faced legal challenges, leaving the situation in Haiti increasingly dire. With key institutions like the main airport and prisons under attack, the government’s ability to maintain order and security has been severely compromised.
The violence has already claimed dozens of lives, including both civilians and police officers, while thousands have been left homeless as a result of the ongoing gang warfare. Reports of food shortages due to looted shipping containers at the main port in Port-au-Prince have raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in the country.
International organizations like the World Food Program have been forced to suspend critical operations, further exacerbating the crisis. Calls for the deployment of a U.N.-backed force have intensified as the country teeters on the brink of even greater chaos.
As neighboring countries like the Bahamas brace for potential spillover effects from the crisis, pressure mounts on Haitian authorities to find a swift and effective resolution to the escalating turmoil. With the international community closely monitoring the situation, the need for decisive action to restore stability and security in Haiti becomes increasingly urgent.