27 Oct 2018 | 11:19 PM UTC
Haiti: Civil society groups call for further anti-corruption protests /update 3
Civil society groups call for further anti-corruption protests; demonstrations likely in near term as of October 26
Event
On Thursday, October 25, civil society groups called for further demonstrations to take place throughout Haiti to demand action surrounding the PetroCaribe corruption scandal and the mishandling of public money more generally. A number of related protests have already taken place in recent days and weeks. While no demonstrations or rallies have been publicly announced as of Friday, October 26, protests are to be anticipated in the near term. A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are likely in the vicinity of any demonstration.
Context
On September 10, the UN warned of the significant risk of significant unrest in Haiti, caused mainly by public frustration over the alleged benefits allotted to public servants and the alleged misuse of PetroCaribe funds, as well as gang violence in Port-au-Prince. Numerous demonstrations have been held in recent months to demand the resignation of President Jovenel Moïse, the liberation of people arrested during violent unrest that broke out July 6-8, and the arrest of individuals implicated in the PetroCaribe corruption scandal. Although Moïse pledged on October 17 to conduct an investigation to hold corrupt officials responsible, additional demonstrations in the near-term are possible due to entrenched public distrust in the government.
Advice
Individuals in Haiti, especially Port-au-Prince, are advised to monitor the situation, strictly avoid all protests and associated roadblocks due to the likelihood of violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.
