The Haitian government has once again decided to renew the state of security emergency throughout the national territory for a period of one month, from December 22, 2024 to January 21, 2025. An exceptional measure to thwart armed gangs. However, its effectiveness provokes contrasting reactions among citizens.
2 mins
With our correspondent in Port-au-Prince, Peterson Luxama
The extension of the state of security emergency throughout the national territory from December 22, 2024 to January 21, 2025 was decided to facilitate the various interventions of law enforcement in the fight against insecurity and against armed gangs.
For some citizens, this measure is a sign that the state is seeking to regain control of areas dominated by gangs. For example, there is Abigail, a student at the State University of Haiti, who says she is optimistic: “ In my opinion, this is a very good decision. If the government uses the state of emergency correctly, it will allow us to mobilize more resources and means to combat gangs. »
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But the population, faced with insecurity on a daily basis, remains divided on the real impact of this decision. Some are therefore skeptical of what could only be a repetition of past measures, like Jonathan Gédéon, an economist by training. “ I am very pessimistic about the state of emergency declared by the government. Many states of emergency have already been declared in the past in the country, but we see that the situation is only getting worse”he comments.
It is not Mysuel Timothé who will say the opposite. According to him, these measures will really have no deterrent effect as long as the authorities do not demonstrate a real desire to fight the gangs: “ I am very skeptical of everything the government advocates regarding this chaotic situation in the country. I do not see the desire on the part of the state authorities to put an end to insecurity and stop the gangs. »
In the process, the Haitian National Police assures that they have strengthened their measures to protect the population as the end-of-year holidays approach. But for many citizens, only lasting action against gangs can truly restore security. Earlier this week, members of armed groups set fire to a major hospital in Port-au-Prince.
Also readHaiti: armed gangs set fire to the referral hospital in Port-au-Prince