Haiti declares state of emergency as armed gangs storm prison, prompting escape of 4,000 inmates
The Haitian government issued a 72-hour state of emergency following a violent attack on a major Port-au-Prince prison, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 individuals and the escape of roughly 4,000 inmates.
Gang leaders, aiming to force the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who is currently out of the country, have gained significant control, with about 80% dominance over Port-au-Prince.
These groups have been engaged in violent clashes, resulting in thousands of casualties since 2020.
According to officials, armed gangs stormed two prisons over the weekend, posing a serious threat to national security.
In response, an immediate night-time curfew starting at 20:00 local time was imposed. Notably, among the detainees were individuals charged in connection with the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.
The escalation of violence coincided with the Prime Minister’s trip to Nairobi to discuss the deployment of a multinational security force to Haiti.
Gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, also known as “Barbecue,” coordinated the attack with the aim of removing Henry from office.
The situation intensified when the police union sought military assistance to reinforce the main prison in the capital, only for the compound to be overrun by attackers on Saturday.
Reports indicate that chaos ensued within the prison, with doors left open and a significant absence of law enforcement.
Several inmates lost their lives while attempting to flee, while others opted to remain in their cells out of fear.
The violence underscores the ongoing instability in Haiti following President Moïse’s assassination, with elections delayed and a political transition unresolved.
The United Nations reported a staggering increase in gang-related violence, with over 8,400 individuals falling victim to killings, injuries, and kidnappings in 2023 alone, more than double the figures from the previous year.
Source-BBC
