Haitian Law Enforcement Battles Gangs Amid Assault on Major Prison – Sky Bulletin

In a dire situation unfolding in PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, police forces are issuing desperate calls for support after facing challenges attempting to repel gangs intent on breaching the primary correctional facility of the nation on Saturday evening. This incident marks a significant buildup of the violence that has been sweeping across the troubled Caribbean country.

The Haitian police union released a digital distress call through social media, embellished with repeated “SOS” emojis. The message was a clear cry: “Let’s mobilize the army and the police to prevent the bandits from breaking into the prison.”

An anonymous police officer, not cleared for media statements, informed The Associated Press that although gang members had outnumbered the law enforcement forces, they hadn’t taken control over the prison, which currently detains several gang leaders.

This armed confrontation is a sharp escalation following a series of violent demonstrations that have been gradually intensifying. The situation grew more severe as Prime Minister Ariel Henry was in Kenya discussing the potential for a UN-backed security mission spearheaded by the East African nation.

Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, Henry has been in charge as prime minister and has delayed holding parliamentary and presidential elections, which have not occurred for almost ten years.

In a concerted effort by criminal bands, four policemen were fatally shot on Thursday in the capital. Additionally, gang members took over two police stations, resulting in panic, civilian displacement, and the shutdown of local commerce and education.

The notorious prison, burdened by overpopulation and unsanitary conditions, houses high-profile detainees such as gang leaders and 18 former Colombian soldiers implicated in Moïse’s slaying.

In light of the tumult at the airport, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince announced a pause on all formal dispatches to Haiti.

The number of National Police in Haiti stands at approximately 9,000, tasked with the safety of more than 11 million citizens. The U.N. notes that these officers are habitually outmatched by the formidable gangs, which dominate as much as 80% of Port-au-Prince.

Jimmy Chérizier, alias Barbecue, a former esteemed police officer who now helms a gang coalition, has taken responsibility for the heightened aggression. His stated objective is to apprehend the chief of police and government ministers while thwarting Henry’s return to Haiti.

Although beset by resignation demands, Henry, a neurosurgeon by trade, has not responded directly to inquiries regarding his safety upon returning home.

During his visit on Friday, Henry signed mutual agreements with Kenyan President William Ruto, reviving hopes for the deployment of Kenyan troops to Haiti. Kenya’s High Court had previously deemed the deployment unconstitutional due to a lack of two-way agreements.

The rising turmoil has disrupted efforts to bring stability to Haiti and facilitate the conducting of elections. A meeting of Caribbean leaders on Wednesday mentioned Henry’s agreement to a vote by mid-2025, a stipulation that will likely ignite further disapproval from those opposing him.