Haiti: Several vehicles burned during protests in Nazon (Port-au-Prince) September 12

Event

Protesters set fire to at least three government-owned vehicles in the Nazon area of Port-au-Prince on Saturday, September 12, during a demonstration against the arrest of police officers. Crowds are reported to have gathered at the intersection of Martin Luther King Avenue and Christ-Roi on Saturday morning to denounce the arrest of five police officers assigned to protect the president of the Port-au-Prince Bar Association Me Monferrier Dorval, who was assassinated on August 28. However, the protest quickly escalated, with demonstrators blocking the road with burning tires and other debris and setting fire to the government vehicles parked nearby. The demonstration was later dispersed by police, who fired warning shots and tear gas.

Further protests over the issue are possible in the area in the near term, with an associated risk of localized travel disruptions.  

Advice

Those in Port-au-Prince are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations, anticipate localized disruptions to transportation and business operations, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.

The security environment in Haiti remains complex and professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.