Haiti’s government imposes three-month state of emergency in central regions amid escalating gang violence

Haiti’s government has declared a three-month state of emergency in the West, Artibonite, and Center departments, regions central to the nation’s rice production. This decision comes in response to escalating gang violence that has severely disrupted agriculture and displaced thousands.

Between October 2024 and June 2025, the United Nations reported over 1,000 deaths, more than 200 injuries, and 620 kidnappings in these areas. Gang activities have forced farmers to abandon their fields, leading to significant food insecurity. The violence has also displaced more than 239,000 people, with many fleeing across the country’s largest river to escape the turmoil.

In an effort to restore order, the Haitian government appointed André Jonas Vladimir Paraison as the new interim director general of the National Police, replacing Normil Rameau, who faced criticism for his inability to control the violence. Paraison previously served as head of security at the National Palace and was present during the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. The security overhaul coincides with businessman Laurent Saint-Cyr assuming the role of president of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, which is tasked with organizing elections by February 2026.

Haitian police are collaborating with a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan officers to combat the escalating gang violence. The mission aims to support local law enforcement in restoring stability to the affected regions.
The state of emergency is expected to last for three months, during which the government plans to implement measures to curb gang activities and address the humanitarian crisis resulting from the violence.

The international community has expressed concern over the situation, with various organizations offering support to Haiti in its efforts to combat gang violence and restore order.

The government’s decision to impose a state of emergency underscores the severity of the crisis and the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the challenges posed by the escalating gang violence in the central regions of Haiti.