Haiti: Protests likely to continue nationwide through at least mid-February

Demonstrations against Acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry are likely to continue across Haiti through at least mid-February. Unrest is likely to intensify Feb. 5-7, as the Committed to Development (Engages pour le Developpement, EDE) party has called for nationwide protests during that period to demand Henry's resignation. Other groups are likely to join the demonstrations and continue protests beyond Feb. 7; Henry's term ends on Feb. 7, though he is unlikely to step down.

The demonstrations will likely cause disruptions to transport, business, schools, and government agencies, as well as possible shortages of basic goods, including food, water, and fuel. Gatherings are likely to be most disruptive in southern municipalities, such as Jeremie, Les Cayes, Miragoane, and Grand-Goave, as well as Port-au-Prince, where the neighborhoods of Petionville and Delmas will likely see protests. Demonstrations are also currently occurring in some northern cities, including Port-de-Paix and the border city of Ouanaminthe; further demonstrations may cause significant disruptions in the north and along the border area.

Within municipalities that see unrest, protests are particularly likely near government buildings and main thoroughfares; demonstrations could also affect foreign diplomatic missions. Security forces will likely be deployed to monitor and manage protests, though Haitian authorities are typically incapable of controlling large gatherings. Serious clashes and violence involving security forces, protesters, and gangs are likely, and the possibility of violent attacks targeting police forces and political leaders cannot be ruled out.