Haiti: High tension in Port-au-Prince over rising fuel price

Event

The  situation remains tense in Port-au-Prince as of Friday, July 6, due to rising fuel price. Violent protests took place in the capital Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, July 4, and Thursday, July 5, to denounce rising fuel prices, among other issues. Protesters reportedly erected roadblocks on major roads of the metropolitan region and destroyed several vehicles, resulting in severe traffic disruptions around the city. Further protests are likely in the coming days. Transportation unions, as well as opposition members have called for repeated strikes and demonstrations if no concrete actions are taken by the government.

Context

All protests in Haiti, even smaller ones, have the potential to disrupt daily life as they often involve roadblocks and/or violence. Further protests to denounce the increase in fuel prices - taking effect this month - are likely in the coming weeks.

Advice

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