Armed gangs in Haiti stormed a major prison in Port-au-Prince, leading to the death of at least 12 people and the escape of around 4,000 inmates. The violent groups are targeting to force the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who is currently out of the country. The gangs control about 80% of Port-au-Prince and have been involved in deadly conflicts since 2020.
As a result of the violent attacks, the government of Haiti declared a 72-hour state of emergency and instituted a night-time curfew starting at 20:00 local time. The situation remains tense, with reports of bodies in the prison courtyard and fears of further violence. The absence of a president since the assassination of Jovenel Moïse in 2021 has contributed to the instability in the country.
Former police officer and gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, known as “Barbecue,” has called for the removal of Prime Minister Henry. Despite an agreement for him to step down by 7 February, the prime minister has remained in power, leading to widespread protests and demands for his resignation.
The political crisis, combined with the rise of violent gangs, has created a nightmare scenario for the people of Haiti. The situation is further complicated by the lack of elected government officials since 2016, adding to the discontent and unrest in the country.
The ongoing violence and political instability in Haiti have led to multiple demonstrations against the government and calls for immediate action to address the dire situation. The international community is closely monitoring the crisis and urging all parties to seek peaceful solutions to restore order and security in the country.