Haiti’s national palace in Port-au-Prince on Friday got hit by sporadic gunfire which signalled a dangerous escalation amid the political unrest sparked by Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s absence. Haiti declared a state of emergency last Sunday with the rising violence, prison breaks, and mass displacements while Henry was in Kenya negotiating for international assistance against Haiti’s gangs.
The United States had urged Haiti’s prime minister to kick-off a political transition as armed groups called for his removal. Henry although is serving as Haiti’s unelected interim leader and was confirmed to have arrived Puerto Rico on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s attorney general, Tarek William Saab announced on Saturday 9th March, the arrest of a regional campaign leader for opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, accusing her of alleged conspiracy and other crimes.
Machado responded to the arrest, claiming it is an allegation orchestrated by President Nicolas Maduro’s government to stifle viable opposition. Tarek defended the arrest by citing the need to prevent chaos as it he witnessed in Haiti. In January, three regional leaders associated with Machado’s team were arrested. Tarek confirmed the accused of attempting to attack a pro-government governor.
In the meantime, the U.S. military conducted airlift operation for non-essential embassy personnel and reinforce embassy security.
The European Union’s delegation in Haiti temporarily closed offices citing security concerns which reflects heightened tensions.
The U.S Secretary of States, Antony Blinken is confirmed by the States’ Department today, Monday, to be in attendance of the upcoming visit to Jamaica for discussions on Haiti’s crisis and regional support.
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) would be hosted in Jamaica with presence of leaders to explore ways to aid Haiti and bolster political dialogue. Blinken’s visit to Jamaica will focus on CARICOM’s proposal for expediting a political transition in Haiti and deploying a multinational security mission to restore order. Haiti’s state of emergency emphasizes the urgent need for stability amid escalating violence and a growing humanitarian crisis.