Posted: Thursday, April 3, 2025. 2:46 pm CST.
By Aaron Humes: Minister of Home Affairs, Kareem Musa, has indicated that the government is contemplating the reinstatement of a state of emergency (SOE) in Belize City. Over the past month, the city has witnessed a distressing rise in gang-related shootings, resulting in the deaths of five individuals.
Despite proactive measures from the Belize Police Department, including enhanced patrolling and community engagement initiatives, the violence persists, with multiple shootings reported this week alone.
Minister Musa addressed the escalating tensions among local gangs and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to mitigate further bloodshed. “That was on the table, and I can say here, know that it still is on the table,” Musa stated. “We were monitoring it closer to the election, where it was extremely heightened. And I think we came fairly close, commissioner, to declaring a state of emergency. But it was never done. It was quelled for a bit, but again, now we see other areas are sparking.”
Musa elaborated that during the heightened period surrounding the last election, authorities focused on six specific gangs that were under scrutiny for their activities. The Minister emphasized that the situation is dynamic, with additional gangs now under observation.
“While I’m not saying that we’re going to declare one this week or next, it certainly is on the table,” he added. “We are in discussions not just with the commissioner and the police department, but also with the Leadership Intervention Unit to get their feedback because it is that we would want to have a targeted SOE as opposed to a blanket net cast over everybody.”
The last state of emergency in Belize City was enacted in June of last year and lasted for three months, extended from 30 days.
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The post Violence surge in Belize City still may prompt State of Emergency, says Home Affairs Minister appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Thursday, April 3, 2025. 2:46 pm CST. By Aaron Humes: Minister of Home Affairs, Kareem Musa, has indicated that the government is contemplating the reinstatement
The post Violence surge in Belize City still may prompt State of Emergency, says Home Affairs Minister appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.