Haiti declares state of emergency amid violence, inmates on the run

4/3/2024 13:14

        Haiti's government declared a state of emergency on Sunday evening, following violent clashes in the capital that have damaged communications and led to two prison breaks as a major gang leader seeks to oust Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
        
        In order to restore order, the government has imposed with immediate effect a curfew throughout the West territory for a "renewable period of seventy-two hours," the statement said.
        
        "Between six in the evening and five in the morning on Monday 4, Tuesday 5, Wednesday 6 and this Sunday, March 3 2024," the curfew will apply.
        
        Law enforcement, firefighters, ambulance drivers, health personnel and duly identified journalists would not have to comply with the curfew, the statement added.
        
        The emergency decree follows a dramatic escalation in violence over the weekend that has paralyzed parts of the capital, damaged communications and led to two prison breaks, including one at the country's largest prison.