The Haitian government has declared a one-month state of emergency, effective December 22, 2024, through January 21, 2025, as the country grapples with escalating gang violence and a deepening security crisis.
The measure, approved by the Council of Ministers, seeks to bolster the Haitian National Police’s efforts to combat armed gangs, address agricultural and food crises, and restore public safety.
Haiti’s security crisis has reached alarming levels, with gangs controlling approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince. Over 5,000 people have been killed this year, primarily in gang-related violence. Recent attacks included gunfire at the country’s main international airport, Toussaint Louverture International Airport, which struck a U.S. flight attendant. Although the airport reopened Wednesday, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has extended its ban on commercial flights to Port-au-Prince through March 12, 2025.
In addition, JetBlue announced it would extend its suspension of flights to Haiti until April 30, 2025, citing ongoing civil unrest and security concerns. The airline’s decision follows incidents in November when aircrafts from JetBlue, Spirit, and American Airlines were struck by bullets while landing in Port-au-Prince.
The state of emergency follows a string of violent incidents, including the torching of Bernard Mevs Hospital by gang members reportedly led by Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier. Local human rights organizations have reported that more than 100 people, primarily elderly individuals aged 60 to 80, including Vodou religious leaders, were killed in Cité-Soleil by a gang leader seeking revenge for his son’s death. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights places the death toll at 184.
As part of its response, Haiti has established a National Security Council (NSC) to address the ongoing security challenges and support a peaceful political transition outlined in an April 2024 agreement. The government has pledged to take all necessary measures to restore stability, ensure institutional functionality, and tackle the nation’s pressing challenges.
The declaration underscores the Haitian government’s urgent efforts to regain control and confront a wave of violence that has destabilized communities, strained institutions, and heightened international concern.
