Haiti declares state of emergency

Haiti.- The Haitian government has announced a one-month state of emergency from December 22, 2024, to January 21, 2025, in response to escalating gang violence and insecurity. The decision, approved by the Council of Ministers, aims to empower the Haitian National Police to combat armed gangs, address the agricultural and food crises, and restore public safety. A National Security Council (NSC) has also been established to tackle the ongoing security crisis and support a peaceful political transition as outlined in an April 2024 agreement.

The government has pledged to take all necessary measures to restore security, ensure institutional functionality, and address national challenges. This follows a series of violent incidents, including the torching of Bernard Maevs Hospital by gang members led by Jimmy Cherisier, alias “Barbacue,” and the death of several gang members, including a top lieutenant, during police operations.