Haiti: Anti-Moïse protests in Pétion-Ville planned October 24 /update 2

Event

Anti-government protests are planned in Pétion-Ville (a suburb on the eastern periphery of Port-au-Prince) on Tuesday, October 24. Platfòm Pitit Dessalines, a minor political party led by former opposition candidate Jean-Charles Moïse, is reportedly planning the protest, demanding the departure of President Jovenel Moïse and the formation of a new "council of state" as part a "States-General of the Nation." Increased security measures around the demonstrations are likely, and clashes between protesters and security forces and other forms of violence are possible. Anticipate roadblocks and other traffic disruptions in the area.

Context

Strikes and protests have broken out in Haiti in recent weeks over the adoption of the 2017-2018 budget. The budget has received strong criticism because it includes a significant pay raise and a set of perks for members of parliament while increasing taxes and fees for the rest of the population.

Advice

Individuals in Haiti are advised to strictly avoid all protests and rallies due to the possibility of violence and to adhere to advice and instructions issued by the local authorities and/or their home governments.