Haiti Expands Nationwide State of Emergency

Haiti has expanded its state of emergency nationwide due to escalating gang violence, with Prime Minister Garry Conille announcing the distribution of weapons to the army and police to reclaim territories controlled by gangs. This decision follows a series of violent incidents, including major prison breaks, and marks an expansion from previous emergency measures that were limited to the capital and surrounding regions. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit coincides with this announcement, during which he praised the Kenyan-led international security mission in Haiti. However, many Haitians are skeptical of U.S. involvement, citing past interventions that have led to political destabilization. The U.S. is the largest funder of the U.N.-backed mission, which has seen limited troop contributions thus far. The conflict has displaced nearly 580,000 people and left millions facing severe hunger.