17 May 2019 | 08:32 PM UTC
Haiti: Opposition protests in Port-au-Prince May 18 /update 1
Opposition supporters to protest in Haiti, including in Port-au-Prince May 18; heightened security presence and traffic disruptions in the days leading up to the demonstration
Event
Opposition-led protests are planned in Haiti on Saturday, May 18, to demand the departure of President Jovenel Moïse from power.
According to a notice issued by police, a large demonstration will take place in Port-au-Prince on Saturday from 10:30 to 15:30 (local time). Protesters will reportedly march from the Champ de Mars to Place Pétion via Rue Capos, Lalue, Rue Lamare, Rue Sans Fil, Carrefour Paillant, Delmas 18, Autoroute de Delmas, Carrefour Aéroport, Route Aéroport, Nazon, Avenue Martin Luther King, and Rue Capois. Similar demonstrations are possible in other cities nationwide.
A heightened security presence and traffic disruptions are likely leading up to and on the day of the protests. The risk of associated violence cannot be ruled out.
Context
May 18 also marks the 216th anniversary of the adoption of the first purely Haitian flag in 1803.
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.
Advice
Individuals in Haiti are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.
