Change in Haiti government likely over opposition protests

Key Points

• There have been violent confrontations with demonstrators, who threw sticks and stones, and the police used tear gas and water cannons; shootings have also been reported. At least 11 people have died, and many have been injured.
• Legislative elections are scheduled for October 2019, but these are likely to be delayed, increasing the risk of having a non-functional parliament.
• The likelihood of President Jovenel Moïse stepping down over the coming year is increasing; this is the second wave of disruptive protests he has faced, this time against a more organised opposition and civil society organisations. Should he step down, a transitional government is likely to be put in place, generating a power vacuum and policy paralysis.
  

Event

On 23 November 2018, thousands of demonstrators staged nationwide protests in Haiti to demand the resignation of President Jovenel Moïse.

This followed weeks of anti-government and anti-corruption protests over the alleged misuse of funds from the Venezuela-led scheme, Petrocaribe, during the tenure of Presidents René Préval and Michel Martelly (2008-16). This new wave of protests started on 18 November, and involved confrontations between demonstrators and the police, with demonstrators throwing sticks, stones and Molotov cocktails, erecting barricades using burning tyres, as well as attempting to loot stores and burning parked vehicles. The police used tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds and several shootings have also been reported. At least 11 people have died, and many have been injured. Continue reading