Haiti: Nationwide demonstrations December 9, 10, 16 /update 1

Event

Opposition groups have announced a series of protests to take place nationwide on Sunday, December 9, Monday, December 10, and Sunday, December 16. The Secteur démocratique et Populaire will reportedly demonstrate on Sunday in the capital Port-au-Prince to protest the administration of President Jovenel Moïse and call for his immediate arrest over the PetroCaribe scandal. Opposition leaders have also declared December 10 the "Day of solidarity with the Saline massacre victims" and have planned an associated demonstration in the capital, while additional anti-government demonstrations are planned for December 16 with participants calling for a dialogue on national grievances. Associated demonstrations are also anticipated in Cap-Haïtien to coincide with protests organized by the Secteur démocratique et Populaire. 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 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).