Prime Minister Garry Conille announced that a "state of emergency" has been declared in 14 communes in the West and Artibonite regions controlled by gangs during a national address on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. "The authorities of the country are declaring a state of emergency in all communes controlled by gangs. This state of emergency will give the government the necessary tools and instruments to act, eradicate the bandits, and restore state authority. Fourteen communes are affected by this measure," said the head of government. "For now, I ask the populations of the affected communes to remain vigilant and calm. Security instructions will come gradually from the government and only from the government, through its official communication channels," emphasized the Prime Minister.

"The cooperation of the population is very important to successfully navigate this crisis and restore security in Haiti to enable prosperity. (...) In the coming days, we will launch a national awareness campaign on security. Every citizen must feel involved and responsible for security in their area. We will encourage cooperation between the population and law enforcement because it is together, in unity, that we will overcome insecurity. (...) In 1804, the union of the indigenous army with the population brought independence. In 2024, we must forge the union of law enforcement with the population to free Haiti from all types of bandits who kill, rape, and impoverish humble people. I want to tell you that we cannot turn back. Timoun n pa antre nan gendam," Prime Minister Garry Conille elaborated, issuing two warnings about the time it will take to restore security and the traps and attacks that the authorities and law enforcement will face.