18 Nov 2018 | 09:03 PM UTC
Haiti: Violence breaks out during anti-corruption demonstrations November 18 /update 2
Violence breaks out during nationwide anti-corruption demonstrations on November 18; civil society groups call for further nationwide protests through November 21
Event
Violent demonstrations are taking place throughout Haiti as of the afternoon (local time) of Sunday, November 18. According to local sources, anti-corruption protests have been reported in the Port-au-Prince area as well as in Port-de-Paix, Les Cayes, Cap Haitien, Hinche, Gonaives, and Jeremie. Reports indicate the protests turned violent in the Pétion-ville, Lalue, Croix-des-Bouquet, and downtown areas of Port-au-Prince, with demonstrators erecting roadblocks and burning tires. In several locations, security forces reportedly fired tear gas to disperse the crowds. At least one person has been killed in the protests, with several more suffering injuries. Further protests are likely in the coming hours. Civil society organizations and political parties have called for further anti-corruption demonstrations to take place through at least Wednesday, November 21. A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are expected in the vicinity of any gathering.
Context
Protesters staged multiple demonstrations in October to call for greater government transparency, after several public officials, including President Jovenel Moïse, were implicated in a scandal related to the alleged misuse of PetroCaribe funds. On November 18, 2017, large demonstrations, including clashes between protesters and security forces, took place amid a controversial military march, the first since the demobilization of the Haitian military in 1995.
Advice
Individuals in Haiti are advised to be prepared to shelter in place in the event of major unrest (e.g. stockpile supplies of preserved foods and fresh water), closely monitor the situation, and strictly avoid all protests.
Those in Haiti during are advised to stockpile supplies of preserved foods and fresh water in the event of an extended period of civil unrest. All residents and organizations should be prepared to stay at their respective residences and avoid all movements in the event that the protests become violent.
