PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Seeking to regain control from increasingly bold criminal factions, the Haitian government has enacted a one-month emergency decree, effective Sunday through January 21, 2024. Approved by the Council of Ministers, this measure grants authorities greater power to dismantle armed groups, stabilize vital sectors like agriculture, and address the country’s growing food insecurity.
Accompanying the emergency declaration is the formation of a National Security Council (NSC), an entity charged with navigating Haiti’s ongoing security crisis. The NSC is also expected to support the peaceful transition of power outlined in an agreement reached in April 2024. Officials say they will deploy any tools necessary to strengthen the Haitian National Police, safeguard essential institutions, and tackle urgent national challenges.
The government’s decision follows a series of violent incidents, most notably the torching of Bernard Mevs Hospital by alleged associates of the notorious Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier. Subsequent police crackdowns resulted in the deaths of multiple suspected gang members, including one believed to hold a high-level leadership role.
With social and economic pressures compounding the security threat, authorities hope the month-long emergency period will break the cycle of violence and pave the way for a safer, more stable environment. By reinforcing law enforcement efforts and addressing systemic vulnerabilities, the government aims to restore order and protect citizens from further harm.
