Despite the U.S. downplaying its role, a U.N.-approved stabilization force led by Kenya, with up to 2,500 police officers and soldiers from various countries, is set to arrive in Haiti to support the national police against armed gangs controlling much of the capital. The coalition was assembled by the Biden administration, which struggled to find a willing leader for the mission.
The UN warns that Haiti's health system is on the brink of collapse, with six out of ten hospitals barely operational due to violence, mass displacement, epidemics, and malnutrition. Armed gangs control much of the capital, disrupting supply chains and access to essential medicines. Millions of children are at risk of disease and malnutrition, and the situation is exacerbated by the recent reopening of Port-au-Prince's international airport with limited capacity. Kenya is set to deploy police to help restore stability, but the humanitarian crisis remains dire.
Flames engulfed Haiti's national penitentiary in Port-au-Prince, adding to the chaos in the capital, as the poverty-stricken nation grapples with social and political turmoil. The fire at the almost empty prison comes amid the announcement of Prime Minister Ariel Henry's resignation and a surge in armed gang activity, with little resistance from authorities. Earlier this month, most prisoners escaped when gunmen stormed the facility, and the situation remains volatile.
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry has announced his resignation, to take place once a transition council and temporary replacement have been appointed. The resignation comes amid growing conflict and violence in Haiti, with armed gangs gaining wealth and influence. Regional leaders are discussing a political transition framework, and the United States has pledged additional funds for an international security force to help address the crisis. Haiti has been in a state of emergency due to clashes and prison breaks, and the situation remains tense as the country prepares for a political transition and elections.
Gunmen abducted 15 children from a boarding school in northwestern Nigeria, adding to a series of recent school kidnappings in the country's conflict-hit regions. This incident follows the abduction of nearly 300 students in Borno state and 287 students in Kaduna state. School abductions have become common in Nigeria's northern region, with armed gangs targeting schools for ransom, resulting in at least 1,400 abductions since 2014. The attacks underscore a security crisis in Nigeria, with kidnappings for ransom becoming lucrative across the northern region, where numerous armed gangs operate. No group has claimed responsibility for the abductions, and while Islamic extremists are suspected in some cases, locals attribute the school kidnappings to herders involved in conflicts with host communities. Nigeria's Vice President has met with authorities and parents of the abducted students, assuring them of efforts by security forces to locate and rescue the children.
Gunmen abducted 15 children from a boarding school in northwestern Nigeria, marking the third mass kidnapping in the region in less than a week. School abductions have become common in Nigeria's northern region, with armed gangs targeting schools for ransom. The attacks highlight the security crisis in the country, with no group claiming responsibility for the abductions. Security forces are conducting rescue operations, and Nigeria's Vice President has assured efforts to find and rescue the abducted children.
Heavy gunfire was reported near Haiti's national palace in Port-au-Prince as political turmoil continued, with armed gangs launching coordinated attacks on government buildings. Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who was in Kenya seeking international assistance to combat gangs, has been unable to return. Former coup leader Guy Philippe demanded Henry's resignation and expressed his own presidential ambitions, while a police-turned-gang leader called for Henry's ouster. The US has urged Henry to expedite a political transition as the country faces escalating violence and instability.
Haiti has declared a state of emergency and imposed a nighttime curfew after armed gangs orchestrated a mass prison break, leading to the escape of a large number of inmates. The gangs have demanded the resignation of the country’s prime minister, who is seeking support for an international security force. The escalating violence, including attacks on prisons and a surge in homicides, has prompted the imposition of the curfew. The prime minister's efforts to rally support for an international security force have faced challenges, including the refusal of the Biden administration to commit troops.
Haiti has declared a 72-hour state of emergency after armed gangs stormed two of the country's largest prisons, allowing thousands of inmates to escape. The government imposed a night-time curfew and called on police to use "all legal means" to recapture the prisoners. The U.N. has warned of eroding government presence and extreme gang violence in the crisis-stricken country, while the U.S. embassy issued a security alert urging citizens to leave due to gang-related violence and its impact on transportation and infrastructure.
The Haitian government has declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew after armed gangs stormed the main prison, resulting in the escape of thousands of inmates and the deaths of at least five people. The unrest comes amid efforts by a prominent gang leader to remove Prime Minister Ariel Henry from power, who is currently abroad seeking support for a United Nations-backed security force. The violence has further destabilized Haiti, complicating efforts to schedule elections and pave the way for stability.
Armed gangs stormed Haiti's main prison, leading to a mass jailbreak with potentially thousands of inmates escaping. The violence, which began on Thursday, has seen coordinated attacks in Port-au-Prince, with the goal of capturing Haiti’s police chief and government ministers. The government is urging calm and seeking to find the escaped prisoners and perpetrators of violent crimes. The situation reflects Haiti's ongoing security challenges, with the National Police routinely overwhelmed and outgunned by gangs controlling a significant portion of the capital.
Armed gangs in Haiti's capital released around 4,000 inmates from the country's largest prison after a days-long gun battle with police. Many of the escapees were gang members charged in connection with the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise. Prime Minister Ariel Henry sought assistance from Kenya to combat domestic gangs, and a recent agreement will see Kenya sending 1,000 police officers to help address the ongoing gang violence in Haiti.
Armed gangs stormed Haiti's main prison, leading to a mass jailbreak with hundreds of inmates fleeing and at least five people dead. The violence is part of a surge in coordinated attacks by gangs in Port-au-Prince, as the embattled Prime Minister Ariel Henry seeks support for a UN-backed security force. The chaos follows a series of violent protests and delays in holding parliamentary and presidential elections, with gangs controlling much of the capital and claiming responsibility for the attacks.
Police in Haiti issue an urgent plea for help as armed gangs attempt to storm the country's main prison, with reports of significant inmate escapes. The escalating violence comes as gang leader Jimmy Cherizier seeks to overthrow Prime Minister Ariel Henry, prompting panic and disruptions in the capital. The prison, originally built for 700 inmates, currently holds over 3,600, leading to serious overcrowding. The situation adds to the ongoing security challenges in Haiti, where parliamentary and presidential elections have not taken place for almost a decade.
A UN-backed force, led by Kenya, is being deployed to Haiti to address the ongoing crisis caused by armed gangs, political instability, and economic challenges. However, experts are skeptical about the mission's success, citing the need to address underlying political issues for long-term stability. Previous foreign interventions, such as the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti (Minustah), have faced challenges and failed to gain the trust of the Haitian people. The Kenyan-led force may also face difficulties due to language and cultural barriers, as well as the lack of specialized training for police officers. The mission must be accompanied by an inclusive political process leading to free elections, but there are concerns that it could solidify the grip on power of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Despite Haiti's troubled history, some experts argue that progress has been made at different times and that the international community should not view Haiti as a lost cause.
