Haiti Declares Three-Month State of Emergency Amid Gang Violence

On August 9, 2025, the government of Haiti declared a three-month state of emergency following a sharp rise in gang violence. The measure covers the West, Artibonite, and Centre regions, which are important for rice farming. Officials reported that between October 2024 and June 2025, more than 1,000 people were killed, over 200 were injured, and 620 were kidnapped in these areas. The ongoing violence has also displaced more than 239,000 residents from central Haiti. To address the crisis, the government appointed André Jonas Vladimir Paraison as interim head of the National Police, replacing Normil Rameau. Paraison, who once served as head of security at the National Palace, was present during the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. The National Police is now working with a Kenya-led mission supported by the United Nations to restore order. These actions are part of a broader effort by the transitional presidential council, led by Laurent Saint-Cyr, to prepare for national elections scheduled for February 2026.

On August 9, 2025, the government of Haiti announced a state of emergency for three months because of a sharp increase in gang attacks.

The emergency applies to the West, Artibonite, and Centre regions, which are well known for growing rice.

The decision came after violence in these regions caused more than 1,000 deaths, left over 200 people injured, and led to 620 kidnappings between October 2024 and June 2025.

The unrest has forced more than 239,000 people to leave their homes in central Haiti.

The government of Haiti named André Jonas Vladimir Paraison as the temporary head of the National Police, replacing Normil Rameau.

André Jonas Vladimir Paraison had earlier worked as head of security at the National Palace and was present during the 2021 killing of President Jovenel Moïse.

The National Police is working with a United Nations–backed security mission led by Kenya to bring stability.

These steps are part of the plan of the transitional presidential council, led by Laurent Saint-Cyr, to hold national elections by February 2026.

 

BACKGROUND

Haiti has been grappling with severe instability for years, marked by political turmoil, economic hardship, and a steady rise in gang activity. Armed groups have gained significant control over key areas, particularly in the West, Artibonite, and Centre regions, disrupting daily life and essential services. Violence has escalated sharply since 2021, following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, leaving security forces overstretched and struggling to maintain order. The humanitarian situation has worsened as thousands have been forced to flee their homes, with kidnappings, killings, and extortion becoming common. In this climate of fear and uncertainty, the government’s decision to impose a state of emergency reflects the urgent need to regain control, restore stability, and prepare for long-delayed elections.

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