Haitian authorities have extended a state of emergency across the entire country in response to the escalating violence perpetrated by armed gangs. These groups have taken control of large areas in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and are now attempting to expand their influence into other regions.
The decision to broaden the emergency measure coincides with the planned visit of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. During his visit, Blinken will meet with Prime Minister Garry Conille to discuss “forthcoming steps in Haiti’s democratic transition.” Conille, who has been working to restore order since the formation of the new government three months ago, faces a dire situation with nearly 580,000 people displaced and around five million facing severe hunger, according to the United Nations.
Compounding the crisis, over one million people in Port-au-Prince are without electricity after protesters attacked and vandalized a power plant on Monday. The unrest was triggered by widespread frustration over frequent power outages.
The United States remains the largest contributor to a UN-backed security mission aimed at addressing gang violence in Haiti. This mission follows a severe escalation in violence, including an attack on Haiti’s two largest prisons in March, which led to the escape of approximately 3,700 inmates.
The Ouest Department, which includes the capital, was initially placed under a state of emergency in March due to rising violence. The situation has prompted the deployment of 400 Kenyan police officers in June and July as part of a UN-approved international force, which will eventually consist of 2,500 officers from various countries to assist in controlling the violence.
