In a week-long spree of violence and chaos, Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, has been under siege as gangs launched massive attacks on multiple police stations. Saturday saw police and palace guards collaborating to retake control of the streets, with sporadic gunfire continuing to echo throughout the city.

The dire situation has prompted Caribbean leaders to call for an emergency meeting in Jamaica on Monday, inviting nations such as the United States, France, Canada, the United Nations, and Brazil to discuss Haiti's deteriorating state. Efforts to establish a unity government and broker a solution have so far proved unsuccessful, leaving the country with dwindling supplies and a paralyzed infrastructure.

The unrelenting gang attacks, which have left many homeless and desperate for safety, have compelled some Haitians to seek shelter in government buildings, further complicating the task of securing these crucial institutions. With no means to defend themselves, citizens are left defenseless against the heavily armed gangs.

Caricom, the regional trade bloc consisting of 15 Caribbean nations, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation and emphasized the urgent need for consensus among opposition parties and civil society groups to form a unity government. However, progress has been slow, and the stakeholders have not yet reached an agreement on the way forward. The international community's support is crucial in this time of crisis.

Haiti's Prime Minister Ariel Henry, appointed after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, had pledged to hold general elections by mid-2025. However, the international community has been trying to find a foreign armed force willing to combat the rampant gang violence in the country. Caricom has also urged Henry to establish a power-sharing consensus government, but the prime minister has yet to announce such a move, prompting calls for his resignation.

In the midst of the turmoil, Henry's attempts to rally support for a U.N.-backed deployment of a police force from Kenya have faced obstacles, as a Kenyan court ruled the deployment unconstitutional in January. Unable to return home, Henry found himself in Puerto Rico after being denied landing in the Dominican Republic due to a missing flight plan. Subsequently, the Dominican Republic closed its land border and declared Henry unwelcome for safety and security reasons.

The Dominican President, Luis Abinader, stressed that the situation in Haiti is completely unsustainable and poses a direct threat to the safety and stability of his own country. The statement issued by his office emphasized the urgent need for a peacekeeping force to be deployed promptly in order to restore order before the situation deteriorates further.

As Haiti continues to grapple with escalating violence and a paralyzed government, the international community's involvement and support are eagerly awaited. The emergency meeting scheduled for Monday hopes to revitalize efforts to bring about a unity government and provide critical assistance to the Haitian people in this time of crisis.