Haiti declares state of emergency amid violence, inmates on the run

Haiti's government declared a state of emergency on Sunday evening, following violent clashes in the capital that have damaged communications and led to two prison breaks as a major gang leader seeks to oust Prime Minister Ariel Henry, Report informs via Reuters.

In order to restore order, the government has imposed with immediate effect a curfew throughout the West territory for a "renewable period of seventy-two hours," the statement said.

"Between six in the evening and five in the morning on Monday 4, Tuesday 5, Wednesday 6, and this Sunday, March 3, 2024," the curfew will apply.

Law enforcement, firefighters, ambulance drivers, health personnel, and duly identified journalists would not have to comply with the curfew, the statement added.

The emergency decree follows a dramatic escalation in violence over the weekend that has paralyzed parts of the capital, damaged communications, and led to two prison breaks, including one at the country's largest prison.