At least one person was confirmed dead in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince on Wednesday after opposition leader Moïse Jean-Charles’ organisation, Pitit Desalin, called for renewed anti-government demonstrations demanding Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s resignation over inflation, crime rates, and fuel shortages.
Thousands of citizens marched to the presidential palace chanting “Ariel, you have to go!,” “Down with Misery!” and “We are fed up,” pelting stones and burning tires in the streets of Port-au-Prince, Port-de-Paix, Petit-Goâve, and Jérémie.
For weeks, many thousands of Haitians all across the country have taken to the streets, protesting rising prices, fuel shortages, and calling on de facto PM Henry to resign. This is from Port-au-Prince earlier today, courtesy of @viliusyvon. pic.twitter.com/JVfHBcTRSW
— Jake Johnston (@JakobJohnston) September 7, 2022
Protesters clashed with the police after security forces fired shots in the air and tear gas shells to disperse the crowds; one protester was killed in the process. Miami Herald also reported that a Radio Télé Zénith journalist was hit by a rubber bullet and several others sustained injuries.
Some demonstrators made calls to loot banks and businesses, resulting in emergency closures. In fact, in Cap-Haïtien, commercial activities reached a complete standstill, while in Petit-Goâve residents sealed financial institutions. Subsequent road blockades also caused traffic disruptions all day long.
Meanwhile, PM Henry’s office on Tuesday appealed to the people to remain calm and avoid giving in to political manipulation, reaffirming that he is “aware of the seriousness of the situation.”Henry reassured that the government will soon implement several social welfare programmes to alleviate poverty and enhance fuel supply at gas stations to curb inflationary pressures.
You won't see this on CNN. Petit Goâve, #Haiti on its third week of non-stop anti-government protests. History proves that Haitians always revolt when met with oppression. Their plan since the 2004 coup was to destroy the resistance. That failed. pic.twitter.com/ot78RHUuyr
— Madame Boukman - Justice 4 Haiti 🇭🇹 (@madanboukman) September 7, 2022
Mass demonstrations on Wednesday came a day after Henry’s meeting with trade union and civil society representatives to discuss the country’s energy crisis, black market, and illicit fuel trade.
While sporadic protests have continued unabated for long, this is the second mass demonstration reported within two weeks as the country faces a 10-year high inflation rate of 30.5%, led mainly by rising food and fuel prices. The national currency, the gourde, has depreciated by over 40% this year against the dollar and high fees on international transfers have further added to Hatians’ economic woes.
Population of Port-de-Paix had another day of protest yesterday. But it wasn't about high cost of living, or the many other issues facing population: Residents protested govt's decision to seize 2 boats transporting illegal guns & ammunition. The boats have been relocated. #Haiti
— Jacqueline Charles (@Jacquiecharles) September 7, 2022
Moreover, rising gang violence, illicit trade of arms, and political instability have led to alarming levels of insecurity. Incidents of deadly clashes and kidnappings have also risen significantly after last year’s assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, following which Henry assumed charge and vowed to tackle insecurity.
However, Haitians have continued to bear the brunt of armed violence with interim PM Henry even hinting at the postponement of elections scheduled to be held next year.
A sign today protesting violence of US-trained/armed police in #Haiti against peaceful demonstrations the past two weeks.
— HaitiInfoProj (@HaitiInfoProj) September 8, 2022
Translation: "If you're wondering how much power the police have to end insecurity just wait until you have a protest against insecurity" pic.twitter.com/bFPBPZwWsf
To this end, some demonstrators in Port-au-Prince even waved Russian flags, to request the Kremlin’s intervention and simultaneously denounce the United States’ backing of Henry’s bid to take “power hostage.” In fact, the PM on Wednesday travelled to Florida to discuss US investment in the country.
Against this backdrop, several unions and political organisations have demanded immediate action by the government to ensure safer roads, more affordable goods, and the PM’s resignation, vowing to continue demonstrating until these conditions are met.