Haiti: Protests against national budget Sep. 28 and 30 /update 4

Event

Opponents to the 2017-2018 national budget introduced by President Jovenel Moïse are planning to hold protests on Thursday, September 28, and Saturday, September 30. According to local sources, protests are planned in the cities of Plateau Central, Cap-Haïtien, Saint-Marc, Jacmel, Léogâne, and Petit-Goave, as well as the capital Port-au-Prince. Increased security measures in the vicinity of the demonstrations are likely, along with clashes between protesters and security forces and other forms of violence.

In addition, at least 45 mayors in the Nord, Nord-Est, and Artibonite departments announced the closing of their offices from September 25 to September 27 in protest against the national budget.

Context

The budget has received strong criticism because it includes a significant pay raise and other perks for members of Parliament, while increasing costs for the rest of the population.

Violent protests broke out in Port-au-Prince on Tuesday, September 12, and continued until September 23 after the budget was adopted by the Lower House of Parliament. A number of vehicles were set on fire and there were isolated clashes with the police.

Advice

Individuals in Haiti are advised to monitor the situation and strictly avoid all protests and rallies due to the high likelihood of violence.