Haiti has officially declared a state of emergency in response to the invasion of two of its largest prisons by armed gangs.

During the weekend, armed gang members seized control of both the National Penitentiary in Port-au-Prince and another prison in Croix des Bouquets, resulting in the escape of nearly all 4,000 inmates.

This chaotic situation has allowed thousands of individuals to flee. The escalating lawlessness and extreme gang violence are profound concerns in Haiti, prompting the United Nations to express its apprehension regarding the deteriorating conditions.

As a corrective measure, a 72-hour state of emergency has been implemented, coupled with a nighttime curfew, all aimed at restoring order. The Finance Minister has called upon the police to employ all legal means necessary to recapture the escaped prisoners while also enforcing the curfew.

The attorney’s association of the country reports that a total of 3,597 prisoners absconded from the National Penitentiary. Additionally, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has called attention to the multitude of challenges that Haiti is grappling with, including political, social, economic issues, and the relentless occurrence of natural disasters. The United States embassy has issued a security alert, providing advice for citizens to utilize available transportation options to vacate the country.

Furthermore, embassy operations are expected to be limited on Monday due to the influence of gang-related violence on transportation and infrastructure, with the possibility of future activities being impacted.

These attacks have taken place in conjunction with intensifying violent protests in recent days. Notably, these demonstrations have escalated while the prime minister was visiting Kenya to promote the proposed U.N.-endorsed security mission in Haiti, which is headed by the East African nation.

Since assuming office as prime minister following President Moise’s assassination, Henry has repeatedly postponed the scheduling of parliamentary and presidential elections, which have not been held for nearly ten years.

According to the United Nations, the Haiti National Police force comprises approximately 9,000 officers entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the security of over 11 million people. However, they frequently find themselves overwhelmed and outmatched by gangs, who purportedly hold dominion over up to 80% of Port-au-Prince.

Jimmy Chérizier, also known as Barbecue, a former elite police officer who currently leads a federation of gangs, has claimed responsibility for the recent surge of attacks. His primary objective is to apprehend the Haitian police chief and government ministers, thereby obstructing Henry’s return.It is evident that the country’s current trajectory is unsustainable. In recent years, each successive cycle in Haiti has been more calamitous than the preceding one, with every disaster further exacerbating the already dilapidated state. The country’s historic National Palace, situated in downtown Port-au-Prince, continues to lie in ruins following the devastating earthquake in 2010. Now, gangs have seized control and occupied multiple courthouses in the vicinity. Many Haitians hold the Prime Minister accountable for the current situation, believing that he has yielded to the control of gangs over the past three years and has failed to oversee the organization of elections, which would provide an opportunity for a fresh start with a new government. Prime Minister Henry and his allies argue that the prevailing insecurity in the country makes it impossible to hold a free and fair vote. However, these explanations do little to quell the widespread anger among the population.

Earlier this month, when rumors circulated in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince that a local police station would be closed, frustrated residents took to the streets, engaging in destructive behavior such as toppling a bus and setting tires on fire. Their demands were clear: the removal of Prime Minister Henry from office.

“Ariel Henry must go,” shouted one protester. “We are living in a state of complete uncertainty. We are surrounded by garbage and sewage. I have nothing. I feel empty. I cannot work, provide for my family, or send my children to school.”

Even for some members of the gangs, the current situation has become unbearable. A 14-year-old recruit from the Martissant neighborhood, visibly distressed, shared in an interview with CNN last month, “Every day, I witness people dying in front of me. The thing I detest the most is when other gang members kill someone and force me to burn the body.”

He also disclosed that one of his friends, who was also a gang member, was recently killed and burned. He lives in constant fear of meeting a similar fate. To ensure his safety, CNN has chosen not to reveal his identity.

“The prevailing sentiment is that the country cannot endure like this. The amount of violence people experience is inhumane,” warned Ulrika Richardson, the United Nations Deputy Special Representative in Haiti, during a press briefing in New York on Wednesday.