Haiti declares state of emergency and curfew after prison break

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI – Amidst escalating violence following a gang-led assault on the main prison in the capital city, Haiti’s government announced a state of emergency and imposed a nighttime curfew starting from Sunday, with aims to restore order.

The government’s decision, announced in a statement, came in response to a wave of unrest triggered by the prison break, which saw thousands of inmates escaping.

The measures include a curfew from 6:00 pm to 5:00 am, effective until Wednesday, March 6, and will be enforced in the Ouest region, encompassing Port-au-Prince, with potential extensions.

Economy Minister Patrick Michel Boisvert, acting as the country’s prime minister in Ariel Henry’s absence, signed the statement, emphasizing the urgent need to regain control of the situation.

Tires on fire near the main prison of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on March 3, 2024, after a breakout by several thousand inmates. At least a dozen people died as gang members attacked the main prison in Haiti's capital, triggering a breakout by several thousand inmates. [Picture: Luckenson JEAN / AFPTV / AFP] — **FILE:** Tires on fire near the main prison of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on March 3, 2024, after a breakout by several thousand inmates. At least a dozen people died as gang members attacked the main prison in Haiti’s capital, triggering a breakout by several thousand inmates. **[Picture: Luckenson JEAN / AFPTV / AFP]**

“The objective of these measures is to restore order and enable the government to take necessary actions to address the crisis,” stated Boisvert.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry, currently abroad in Kenya, recently signed an agreement to deploy police forces from the East African nation as part of a UN-backed mission to bolster law enforcement in Haiti, which has long grappled with gang-related violence.

The assault on the prison marks a significant setback for Haiti’s security forces, already struggling to contain the rampant criminal activity in the country.

The government’s declaration underscores the severity of the situation, with efforts focused on restoring stability and ensuring the safety of citizens amidst the turmoil.