Haiti: Protests paralyze the country, which is increasingly isolated
On the sign, we can read in Creole: "Banks are not innocent in our misery", during a demonstration to demand the resignation of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry and a call for a better quality of life.
Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Wednesday, September 7, 2022. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press.
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1 min
The French Embassy is closing its doors until further notice in Port-au-Prince, in response to the deterioration of the situation in the Haitian capital.
The government's announcement of an increase in fuel prices – they should double, according to the Minister of Labor – has reignited the anger of Haitians.
They have been demonstrating for several weeks now against insecurity, the high cost of living and the recurring shortages of fuel at service stations.
The fear of a total blockage also pushes airlines to suspend their flights.
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This Wednesday morning in Port-au-Prince, shots were still heard in several neighborhoods.
Banks and shops remain closed.
No public transport either.
The streets of the Haitian capital remain littered with vehicles, debris, sometimes burning tires.
Even if some barricades were lifted by the police last night, traffic remains very difficult, among others in the Champs-de-Mars district, where the French Embassy is located.
The latter has closed its doors until further notice, like the Spanish Embassy, and with them the possibility of obtaining Schengen visas for Europe.
Paris advises its nationals to limit their travel to what is strictly necessary and to provide a stock of basic necessities.
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To read also: In Haiti, demonstrations and violence after the announcement of the increase in the price of fuel
The situation, which is also very tense in several provincial towns, prompted American Airlines to suspend its flights on Tuesday.
The fear of a new total blockage hangs over the country.
As in 2018 and 2019, following – already – the announcement of a
rise in fuel prices
.
The anger of Haitians also crystallizes around inflation, insecurity... The influence of gangs extends over the territory.
Anger, exploited by certain politicians, who wish to oust Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
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