Haiti: Demonstration in Port-au-Prince amid continued unrest Feb. 11 /update 11

Event

Demonstrations calling for the indictment and resignation of President Jovenel Moïse continue for the fifth consecutive day in Port-au-Prince and other cities as of Monday morning (local time), February 11. As of the early morning hours, roadblocks were reported on Route Nationale 2 at Carrefour, Caradeux, and Fonds des Negres, as well as in the capital at the intersection of Boulevard Jean Jacques Dessalines and Autoroute de Delmas. Demonstrations and roadblocks were also reported in Juvenat, Bon Repos, Croix-des-Bouquets, Fort Liberté, Saint-Marc, Port de Paix, Ouanaminthe, and on Route Nationale 1 at Montrouis.

An organized demonstration has also been announced for Monday from Saint Jean Bosco church in Pétion-Ville to the National Palace in central Port-au-Prince.

Fuel and water distribution as well as sanitation services have experienced disruptions since February 8. The largest fuel distribution center, located in Carrefour, has been unable to deliver fuel due to roadblocks and demonstrations. Widespread business disruptions continue nationwide as demonstrators have set fire to and looted several shops in recent days. The Haitian National Police (PNH) have deployed reinforcements to protect banks, government offices, court buildings, and utility installations. Further demonstrations and significant transportation disruptions are expected to continue in Port-au-Prince and throughout the country over the coming days. Clashes between security forces and protesters are likely.

Context

Violent demonstrations have been taking place on a daily basis since February 7, with demonstrators erecting roadblocks, burning tires, and throwing rocks at security forces. On February 7, protesters reportedly pelted President Jovenel Moïse's residence with rocks. Violent demonstrations were also reported in Les Cayes (Sud department), Petit-Goâve, Cabaret, Aracahaie (Ouest department), Gonaïves, and Saint-Marc (Artibonite department). Several people have been killed in the demonstrations, with dozens of others suffering injuries. On February 9, a United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) armored personnel carrier accidentally collided with a collective taxi, killing four people in the Canapé Vert area of Port-au-Prince and further exacerbating social unrest. Fuel disruptions were also reportedly impacting the deployment of security personnel on February 10, while the US Embassy issued a shelter-in-place order to its personnel.

Numerous demonstrations have been staged in recent months 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. Violent protests took place in late 2018, with gunfire, roadblocks, and mob violence reported across the country.

Advice

Individuals in Haiti are advised to keep abreast of 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 (e.g. travel restrictions). Be prepared to shelter in place in the event of prolonged civil unrest (e.g. stockpile supplies of preserved foods and fresh water).