Brazilian government sees situation in Haiti “with concern”
Shootings intensified on Monday (Feb. 4) in various parts of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, including the airport, in yet another day of violence, while the whereabouts of Prime Minister Ariel Henry remain unknown.
In view of current circumstances, the Brazilian government said it was “observing with concern the serious deterioration of the public security situation in Haiti, which has led to a state of emergency being declared in that country.”
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry also called on the international community to take steps to support the country by sending an international security mission.
“In recalling its historic commitment to the stabilization of Haiti, Brazil calls on the international community to urgently take concrete steps to support the country, in particular through the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2699 (2023), which creates the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti (MSS), as well as through actions in favor of the country’s development.”
The Brazilian government also asked Haitian leaders to support the holding of elections as soon as the violent situation is minimally contained, in a bid to guarantee the safety of voters and candidates.
“The Brazilian government also reiterates the importance of the main Haitian political actors engaging in a process of national dialog, with a view to holding elections as soon as security conditions are in place.” According to the ministry, the embassy in Port-au-Prince is in contact with the Brazilian community and there are no reports of any Brazilians directly affected by the violence.
Clashes and prison escapes
In recent hours, the number of displaced people fleeing clashes between armed gangs and the police in the center of the capital has increased. Meanwhile, information continues to emerge about possible attacks on public institutions.
On Saturday (2), armed gangs attacked Haiti’s two largest prisons, La Capitale and Croix des Bouquets, from where around 3,600 inmates escaped, many of them gang leaders.
This new escalation of violence in Haiti began on Thursday, after Bahamian Prime Minister Phillip Davis reported that Henry had pledged to hold elections by August 31, 2025, infuriating the leaders of the armed gangs who are demanding the resignation of the head of government. Currently, in Henry’s absence, Haiti’s interim prime minister is Economy Minister Patrick Michel Boivert, who on Sunday (3) decreed a state of emergency and a 72-hour curfew in the western department, where the capital is located, which can be extended for another 72 hours.
