In the heart of the Caribbean, the country of Haiti is once again in turmoil. On March 2 and 3, gangsters attacked two prisons, resulting in the escape of about 4,000 prisoners. They then turned to the Toussaint-Louvidur International Airport in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and launched a bold attack in an attempt to seize control. This series of events led to the declaration of a state of emergency in the Ouest department of Haiti.
Background. Haiti, a country that does not have diplomatic relations with China, is one of the least developed countries in the world. Since the assassination of former Jonfernell Moïse in 2021, the security situation in Haiti has continued to deteriorate. Nearly 80 percent of Port-au-Prince is controlled by gangs that are not only active in the capital, but also extend their influence to the northern region of Artibonite, Haiti's main food producer.
Gangster attacks.
On 4 March, gangs launched an armed attack on Toussaint-Louverdur International Airport. Multiple groups of men attacked from different directions, trying to storm the airfield, but were intercepted by Haiti** and the armed forces. At the time of the exchange of fire, the airport was closed and there were no flights running. Previously, the gangsters had approached three planes on the tarmac**, but did not attempt to capture the airport. At present, Haiti** has sent armed forces to key facilities such as airports, seaports, and national palaces to assist in resisting gangs.
Prison break incident. This was preceded by an attack by gangs on the National Penitentiary in Port-au-Prince and a prison in the surrounding Croix-debouquet area. According to Haiti's Office of Civil Protection, 3,798 prisoners are being held in the national prison, most of whom escaped during the attack, leaving only 98 prisoners in prison. In the Croix-Debouquet regional prison, 1,033 prisoners escaped. It is worth noting that the prisoners who voluntarily remained in the national prison included 18 former Colombian soldiers who participated in the assassination of Haiti's former ** Moïse.
International reaction. Haiti** declared a 72-hour state of emergency and imposed a curfew in the Western department, where Port-au-Prince is located. The United States has urged its citizens to leave Haiti as soon as possible, and the embassies of the United States, France and Canada have announced the suspension of consular services. At the same time, Dominica is stepping up the construction of its border wall and has made it clear that it will not establish camps inside the country to accommodate Haitian refugees. Brazil** urged the international community to implement the UN resolution as soon as possible by sending a multinational police force to Haiti.
Epilogue. This series of events in Haiti is not only a challenge to the country's authority, but also a test for the international community. Haiti's future is uncertain as gang activity intensifies. The international community must act to help restore order to Haiti, to protect the safety of innocent people and to support the country on its path to stability and development.
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