04 Mar 2024 | 08:15 AM UTC
Haiti: Government issues state of emergency, curfew throughout West Department as of early March 4 /update 1
Government issues state of emergency, curfew throughout West Dept., Haiti, as of early March 4. Increased security, disruptions likely.
The Haitian government has issued a state of emergency and accompanying curfew in the West Department as of early March 4. The decision comes in the wake of severe gang violence. The curfew is in effect from 18:00-05:00 daily until the morning of March 6 and is renewable for periods of 72 hours. The state of emergency will likely give police enhanced powers of search and arrest and limit civil liberties, including public gatherings.
Gang violence is likely to continue affecting Port-au-Prince in the coming days following reports that gangs have attacked the National Penitentiary and freed thousands of prisoners; local reports indicate that police officers assigned to the prison had vacated the premises. Arson attacks were also reported on police facilities. An upsurge in gang violence has affected the capital city since Feb. 29, causing disruptions to ground transport, business operations, diplomatic services, and flights at the capital's Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP). G9 gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, also known as "Barbecue," has claimed responsibility for recent shooting attacks targeting police facilities and locations near PAP; gunfire has reportedly struck aircraft on the airport's tarmac. Police have deployed throughout the capital in response to the violence. The US government has advised its citizens not to travel to Haiti.
Additional flare-ups of gang violence are likely in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas over the coming days and may cause widespread disruptions to transport and business. Airlines may delay, cancel, or otherwise modify scheduled flights to and from Port-au-Prince over the short term following the latest violence; multiple airlines suspended flights to and from Port-au-Prince Feb. 29-March 1 due to the unrest.
Avoid areas affected by significant gang violence. Maintain heightened vigilance if operating in Port-au-Prince. Prepare for lingering disruptions to ground transport, flights, business operations, and diplomatic services. Consider making alternative arrangements for time-sensitive travel. Leave the area immediately if violence erupts nearby; if unable to do so, take refuge in a secure building until it is safe to depart. Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and your home government.
The recent violence comes as Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry visits Kenya for negotiations regarding a UN-backed multinational security deployment in Haiti. Cherizier (Barbecue) claimed that the Feb. 29 attacks were intended to target government officials, including Haitian National Police Chief Frantz Elbe, in an attempt to dissuade Henry from returning to the country and to oust his government.
