Following a bout of intense gang violence causing myriad displacements, the Haitian government has extended the state of emergency surrounding Port-Au-Prince. The state of emergency prohibits all forms of public protest, introduces a new curfew, and affords security forces the liberty to use all legal means to enforce the curfew and reprimand violations. The emergency status is slated to remain in effect until April 3.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called on the global community to respond swiftly and decisively to prevent Haiti from tumbling further into turmoil. Citing concerns around 4500 inmates, many key gang members, who were set free during the recent riots. Some of these escapees had connections to the assassination of Jovenel Moïse. The riots, since the start of the year, have resulted in over 1,193 fatalities and approximately 692 injuries.
Although a multinational aid mission, spearheaded by Kenya, was set up by the UN to assist the Haitian government, it has been postponed. The Kenyan Supreme Court found the number of troops to be unconstitutional.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) communicated in a recent press announcement that Haiti’s healthcare system is on the verge of crumbling. Adding to the turmoil, the World Food Program (WFP) has had to suspend its maritime services that deliver food and medical supplies into Haiti due to the ongoing riots. Currently, over twenty trucks loaded with food, medicine, and other essential supplies remain stranded in Haitian ports.
Despite the dire situation, Prime Minister Ariel Henry is currently outside the country due to disruptions at the international airport, forcing his plane to land in Puerto Rico where he is speculated to be under FBI surveillance.
For more details, you can read the full report here.