Haiti Expands State of Emergency to Combat Rising Gang Violence

On September 4, 2024, Haiti declared a nationwide state of emergency as escalating gang violence spread beyond the capital, Port-au-Prince, into other regions of the country. This decision, announced by Prime Minister Garry Conille, expands an earlier emergency order that had been limited to certain areas, such as the Ouest and Artibonite departments. The move comes in response to the growing influence of armed gangs, which have seized control of significant parts of the capital and surrounding regions, creating widespread insecurity.

In an effort to regain control, the Haitian government has been distributing materials and weapons to security forces, including the Haitian army and police. This expanded state of emergency also precedes a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, as the U.S. continues to provide support to Haiti, including backing a U.N.-led international security mission. The situation has led to severe humanitarian consequences, with nearly 580,000 people displaced and millions facing hunger​(

DevDiscourse, WTVB).

The international community, including the United Nations, has pledged further assistance to Haiti in its battle against the gangs, but efforts are being hindered by ongoing violence and resource limitations.