In response to heightened unrest fueled by a daring prison break releasing thousands of inmates, the Haitian Government has declared a State of Emergency and implemented a dusk-to-dawn curfew from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. in the Ouest region, including the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Acting Prime Minister Patrick Michel Boisvert signed the statement, emphasizing that these measures aim to restore order and regain control over the escalating situation.
The move follows a shocking incident where a gang stormed a state penitentiary, resulting in at least 12 fatalities. The government underscores that the State of Emergency is a crucial step to facilitate the restoration of order and implement necessary measures.
In an international response, three American Airlines have canceled flights to Haiti, and the U.S. government is urging its citizens to evacuate promptly. The United States Government emphasizes the urgency for American citizens in Haiti to depart at the earliest convenience, monitoring local news and seeking transportation options as the security situation remains precarious.
Interestingly, the curfew and State of Emergency coincide with a recent agreement between the Haitian and Kenyan governments. The deal involves dispatching 1,000 police officers from Kenya to support efforts in stabilizing the troubled Caribbean nation, highlighting collaborative international efforts to address the complex challenges faced by Haiti.