In Haiti, violence between disgruntled police and the military left two dead and a dozen injured Sunday, February 23 in Port-au-Prince. These police demonstrators for better working conditions attacked the army headquarters in the center of the capital.

In a press release, the government said it observed "with concern and dismay that terror reigned in certain arteries in the metropolitan area of ​​Port-au-Prince". "In order to avoid the scheduled bloodshed (...), it was decided to cancel the carnival," he added.

The military staff described an assault carried out by individuals "hooded and provided with firearms". "We are under assault. We are under fire from all kinds of weapons, automatic rifles, Molotov cocktails, tear gas," said the general of the country's Armed Forces earlier today. "Because we are under attack, there have been responses," he said.

"War situation"

The Haitian army has reported one dead and one wounded in its ranks. According to a report from a hospital source, a police officer was also killed, as well as a dozen other injured persons.

"Street obstructions and a war situation are taking place in the Champ de Mars area, where gunfire has been heard almost all day long. It is difficult at this time to take stock of these unprecedented violence, "the government said in its statement.

For several months, the police have been demanding better working conditions and have been demanding in particular the right to form a union which would ensure transparency in negotiations with their hierarchy.

Measures announced

Haitian President Jovenel Moïse announced on Saturday a series of measures to try to stem the crisis, including the creation of a relief fund for the police killed in the exercise of their functions and a fund for a cover of insurance.

Since the beginning of the year, Haiti has seen an increase in kidnappings for ransom, which are added to the struggles between armed bands which regularly prevent traffic on the main roads of the country.

Furthermore, no solution has yet been found to the political crisis which has paralyzed the country for more than a year and which is coupled with a very deep economic crisis.

With AFP

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