Port-au-Prince, Haiti – Chaos erupted in Port-au-Prince as violence engulfed the city, leading to the escape of hundreds of prisoners from the National Penitentiary. The situation escalated on Saturday, with clashes between law enforcement and gangs, plunging the capital into turmoil. Amid the unrest, pressure mounted on Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s government to restore order and security to the troubled nation.
The unprecedented surge in violence, which began on Thursday and targeted various key locations including police stations, the international airport, and the National Penitentiary, highlighted the escalating crisis in Haiti. Gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, also known as Barbecue, openly challenged the government and called for Henry’s removal, intensifying the political turmoil in the country.
Efforts to address the escalating violence were further complicated by Henry’s absence from the country, as he was in Kenya negotiating a security support mission. The ongoing conflict has not only paralyzed the city but has also caused disruptions at the airport, forcing airlines to suspend flights due to nearby gunfire.
Public frustration with Henry’s government has been mounting, with concerns over his failure to curb the wave of unrest and gang violence plaguing Haiti. The delayed implementation of an agreement to hold elections and transfer power added fuel to the fire, pushing the country deeper into political instability and uncertainty.
As the violence continues to grip the nation, with warring gangs controlling parts of the capital and hampering essential supply routes, the international community watches closely as Haiti grapples with one of its most challenging periods in recent years. The situation remains precarious, with the population enduring threats of indiscriminate violence, displacements, and fear as the country struggles to find a path to peace and stability.