12 Dead in Haitian Prison Break as Kenyan Commander Urges More Support for Haiti Police
Saint-Marc, Haiti – August 16, 2024 – A violent prison break in the coastal city of Saint-Marc has resulted in the deaths of 12 inmates, raising alarms about Haiti’s deteriorating security situation. The tragic incident occurred amid mounting tensions within the overcrowded and under-resourced prison, where inmates, driven by worsening conditions and a lack of basic necessities, staged a spontaneous protest.
The escape, the third in recent months, unfolded in chaotic scenes as inmates set fire to buildings within the prison compound, including police dormitories and archives, while climbing over walls to flee. Disturbing footage shared on social media captured explosions and billowing smoke, highlighting the extent of the destruction.
The Saint-Marc prison housed around 540 inmates at the time, adding to the already overwhelming challenges faced by the Haitian government and international forces trying to stabilize the country.
Saint-Marc’s Mayor Myriam Fievre confirmed the deaths, describing the situation as “catastrophic” despite regaining control. The escape underscores the dire conditions within Haiti’s prison system, already under strain from previous mass breakouts and a rising death toll due to poor living conditions. Local officials and international observers have called for urgent reforms and additional resources to address the crisis.
The Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM), deployed to stabilize Haiti, has faced significant obstacles in its efforts. Commander Godfrey Otunge, who heads the Kenyan contingent, has called for more weapons and resources for the Haitian National Police (HNP) to combat the heavily armed criminal gangs exacerbating the country’s security crisis. So far, only 400 of the 1,000 pledged Kenyan officers have arrived in Haiti, and other nations have yet to deliver on their promises of support.
The prison break comes at a time when Haiti’s political and humanitarian situation is at its most fragile. With nearly 600,000 people displaced and close to 5 million facing severe hunger, the country is on the brink of collapse. The international community, led by Kenya, faces mounting pressure to provide the necessary resources to restore order and prevent further tragedies.
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12 Dead in Haitian Prison Break as Kenyan Commander Urges More Support for Haiti Police