Haiti: Anti-corruption demonstration in Port-au-Prince December 5

Event

Organizers of several civil society groups and opposition political parties have called for peaceful anti-corruption demonstrations in Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, December 5. Protesters will reportedly march from 09:00 to 14:30 (local time) beginning at Place Jean Jacques Dessalines (Champs de Mars). Tensions remain high following unrest in recent weeks, and associated roadblocks and violence, cannot be ruled out in the near-term amid a heightened security presence.

Context

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. Violent protests took place November 18-21, with gunfire, roadblocks, and mob violence reported across the country, including in Cap-Haïtien, Pétion-Ville, Lalue, Croix-des-Bouquets, Les Cayes, and Chalon. At least ten people were killed.

Advice

Individuals in Haiti, and in particular the capital Port-au-Prince, are advised to keep abreast of the situation, strictly avoid all protests and associated roadblocks due to the likelihood of violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments (e.g. travel restrictions). Be prepared to shelter in place in the event of prolonged civil unrest (e.g. stockpile supplies of preserved foods and fresh water).