Haiti State of Emergency: 3 Months – DW News
Haiti Declares State of Emergency as Gang Violence Escalates
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haiti has declared a state of emergency as armed gangs continue to wreak havoc across the nation,particularly in the capital,Port-au-prince. The Presidential Transition Council (CPT) and the government announced the measure, citing the urgent need to restore security and allow authorities to effectively combat the escalating crisis.This decision comes amidst growing international concern and a stalled political transition, with elections planned for later this year increasingly uncertain.
Mobilizing State resources to Combat Crisis
The state of emergency grants competent authorities the necessary time and means to restore security and peace. The CPT emphasized the “imperative to decree a great mobilization of the State’s resources and institutional means to remedy” the situation. This signifies a full-scale effort to confront the gangs who now control an estimated 90% of Port-au-Prince and are expanding their influence into other areas.
The declaration is part of a series of measures taken by Haitian authorities to address the deteriorating security landscape, a situation exacerbated by the approaching election deadline. The CPT recognizes the critical need for a complete response to prevent further instability and ensure the eventual holding of free and fair elections.
“Restore Security” – A Firm Commitment
In a strong statement, the CPT and the Government reaffirmed their “firm determination to adopt all urgent and necessary measures to restore security, guarantee the proper functioning of the institutions of the Republic and restore national dignity.”
Laurent Saint-Cyr, currently holding the rotary presidency of the CPT, has taken a particularly hard line, declaring “war on the armed bands that terrify the population.” He has also appealed to the international community for increased support, specifically requesting the deployment of additional soldiers to bolster security efforts.
“The bands will not have the last word,” Saint-Cyr asserted, emphasizing the Council’s resolve to overcome the criminal elements. His six-month term concludes on February 7, 2026, contingent on the accomplished investiture of new authorities following the planned elections. “We must fight against thes criminal groups to eradicate them, so that the people can breathe,” he stated, highlighting the desperate need for relief among the Haitian population.
Urgent Plea for International Military Support
Saint-Cyr directly appealed to Haiti’s international partners to substantially increase their support, requesting more soldiers and enhanced training for Haitian security forces.This plea underscores the limitations of the current multinational security support mission (MSS), led by Kenya, which comprises police forces from various nations and a smaller contingent of soldiers. Despite its presence, the MSS has struggled to contain the gangs’ advance.
The call for assistance comes on the heels of a direct threat from Jimmy Cherisier, also known as ”Barbecue,” the most powerful gang leader in Haiti, who vowed to overthrow the Presidential Transition Council just hours before Saint-Cyr’s inauguration. This brazen challenge highlights the immense power and audacity of the criminal groups operating within the country.
A Dire Human Rights Situation
The escalating violence has resulted in a devastating toll on the Haitian population. A recent report from the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) revealed that at least 1,520 people were killed and 609 injured during the second quarter of the year, primarily in the Metropolitan Zone of Port-au-Prince. the report described the human rights situation as “extremely worrying,” emphasizing the urgent need for intervention to protect civilians. The ongoing crisis is creating a humanitarian catastrophe, displacing communities and hindering access to essential services.