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The streets of Port-au-Prince strewn with barricades on February 10, 2019. In early February, demonstrations calling for the resignation of President Möise and an improvement in living conditions have multiplied across the main cities of the country. REUTERS / Jeanty Junior Augustin

In Haiti, if the violent demonstrations have so far stopped, the political crisis has not been eliminated. Proof of the extent of this crisis: the government announced Wednesday, February 27 the cancellation of the national carnival that was to begin Sunday in Gonaives.

With our correspondent in Port-au-Prince, Amélie Baron

The annulment announcement of the national carnival surprised no one. Following the ten days during which all activities were paralyzed throughout the country, the security situation remains very volatile in Haiti today.

The Minister of Culture Jean-Michel Rabin has nevertheless made an appeal to all the town halls who wish to organize carnival activities this weekend.

" The state was ready to contribute up to 50 million gourdes for the organization of the national carnival planned in Gonaïves, so the state can distribute 50 million to 50 cities for example, according to the format decided for these carnivals, said Jean-Michel Lapin. Technically, it is not possible for us to organize the national carnival as it is usually organized. But anyway, no one, let alone the state, can decide that there will be no carnival. "

Last Sunday, Jacmel, the flagship city of carnival in Haiti with its tradition of handmade masks, for example held its carnival, but it was far from the usual holiday. The musical parade that usually lasts until the early hours of the morning has ended this year from 22:00.

► (Re) listen: 1999-2019: 20 years of protest music in the Haitian carnival (Koze Kilti)