Haiti: Prime minister resigns July 14 following violent protests /update 5

Event

Haiti's Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant resigned on Saturday, July 14, following violent protests against proposed fuel price increases that paralyzed the capital Port-au-Prince earlier in the month. President Jovenel Moïse announced that he has accepted Lafontant's resignation, preempting a planned no-confidence vote in Haiti's Chamber of Deputies planned for the same day. As of Monday, July 16, it was unclear whether Lafontant's resignation would appease protesters who had also called for President Moïse's resignation.

All protests in Haiti, even smaller ones, have the potential to disrupt daily life as they often involve roadblocks and/or violence. Further protests are possible in the coming days.

Context

At least four people were killed in the violent unrest that broke out in response to now-scrapped plans by the Haitian government to lower fuel subsidies, thereby raising the prices of gasoline, diesel, and kerosene by up to 50 percent. The planned price increase was the result of an agreement with the IMF to receive an assistance package stabilizing Haiti's finances.

Advice

Individuals in Haiti are advised to monitor the situation and strictly avoid all protests and associated roadblocks due to the likelihood of violence. Confirm flight reservations before traveling to the airport and contact your airline for more information. Monitor updates from your respective embassy for possible adjustments to operating hours.