Haiti capital ‘paralyzed’ after unrest, PM still abroad

Unrest in Haiti's capital has led to widespread paralysis following a prison attack that allowed thousands of inmates to escape, as the country entered a state of emergency.

During this time of crisis, Prime Minister Ariel Henry remains abroad after seeking UN support for a multinational police mission in Kenya.

Port-au-Prince has seen a surge in gang violence, causing closures of schools and banks, and leaving citizens seeking shelter and basic necessities. Amid the chaos, approximately 15,000 people have been displaced, and the largest public hospital ceased operations.

Gang leaders, including Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherisier, aim to remove PM Henry, who took office after President Jovenel Moise's assassination in 2021. The National Penitentiary riot resulted in around a dozen deaths, with most inmates now at large.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concern over the security decline and urged funding for the planned police mission. The U.S. is calling for Henry's return to lead the nation.

While Haitian authorities promise to regain control, the police force struggles against well-armed gangs. Some inmates from the prison break, including Colombians linked to Moise's assassination, did not flee to avoid gang retaliation.

The penitentiary had reportedly been under gang surveillance before the attack. Although an international police mission led by Kenya was approved, its implementation faces legal challenges.

Haiti's persistent turmoil and leadership vacuum since the 2016 election and 2021 assassination exacerbate the crisis. The United States watches the situation with growing concern.