Authorities in Port-au-Prince announced a state of emergency and a curfew lasting at least 72 hours as violence escalates between armed gangs and security forces. The decision, reported by the television network Telesur, aims to restore order in the Haitian capital amid a dramatic spike in criminal activity and public disorder. The measure explicitly excludes frontline workers, including police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, healthcare staff, and journalists, who are still expected to perform their duties under this emergency framework. Law enforcement leadership stressed that officers will be empowered to deploy all lawful options to uphold the curfew and to detain individuals identified as criminals or instigators of violence. This approach reflects a broader strategy to create space for targeted security operations while minimizing harm to essential public services.
In early March, reports indicated that an armed faction launched an assault on Port-au-Prince’s central prison, resulting in the release of hundreds of inmates. Subsequent waves of unrest and attacks on civilians followed, heightening the sense of insecurity across the city. Local authorities and security analysts warned that such breaches could undermine public safety, fuel further gang activity, and complicate ongoing recovery efforts in a city already strained by years of political instability and limited resources.
Comparative context shows that the country has faced a severe decline in governance in recent years. The killing of President Jovenel Moïse and a devastating earthquake exacerbated the security vacuum, enabling criminal groups to expand influence in parts of Port-au-Prince. Some observers have noted that certain factions are pushing to challenge the current administrations through force, underscoring the fragile balance between maintaining public order and addressing the underlying conditions that fuel gang recruitment and violence. Security officials emphasize that maintaining civil liberties while enforcing the curfew remains a priority and that the focus is on protecting civilians, preventing further harm, and restoring basic public services.
Historical patterns of unrest in the capital have shown how quickly violence can escalate when state institutions are stretched thin. In this environment, the government has signaled a willingness to use a combination of curfews, targeted arrests, and coordinated patrols to disrupt gang networks and reduce opportunities for illegal activity. Civil society groups have called for clear communication from authorities, accountability for law enforcement, and efforts to address the root causes of crime, including poverty, unemployment, and weak infrastructure. While the immediate objective is to stabilize the streets, observers stress the importance of planning for a sustainable, long-term recovery that strengthens the rule of law and rebuilds public trust in institutions.
As the situation develops, residents are urged to remain indoors during curfew hours, comply with official directives, and stay away from areas known to be hot zones for gang activity. News outlets continue to monitor the events and provide ongoing updates to help communities make informed decisions about safety and mobility. International partners have reiterated their readiness to support humanitarian and security efforts, while emphasizing that any intervention should respect the sovereignty of the Haitian state and the rights of its citizens. The overall aim remains to restore a sense of security, uphold basic services, and lay the groundwork for political and social stabilization in Port-au-Prince.