Haiti fuel protesters' anger turns on President Moise
- Published
Image source, PAAt least four people have been killed in three days of protests against a steep hike in fuel prices imposed by the Haitian government on Friday. Protesters set alight cars and blocked roads in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and other towns.
Image source, AFPThe double-digit hike in the price of petrol, diesel and kerosene was part of an agreement with the International Monetary Fund to increase Haiti's government revenue. It triggered widespread anger and in some areas, such as Delmas, protests descended into looting.
Image source, AFPEven though the government announced a temporary suspension of the measure on Saturday, that seems not to have quelled protesters' anger with many demanding that President Jovenel Moise step down.
Image source, ReutersThe government argues that fuel subsidies are costing the government too much but many of those protesting said they were fed up with not being able to afford basic goods, such as rice and cooking oil, and that the 38% increase in petrol would make it even harder for them to make ends meet.
Image source, ReutersBut while some of those in looted supermarkets grabbed food ...
Image source, AFP... others seemed to make off with whatever they could.
Image source, AFPIn Petion Ville, smoke could be seen rising from burning cars and barricades while looters carried away their stash.
Image source, ReutersPolice arrested some alleged looters who had entered a bank office in the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Image source, PABut in other areas of the capital law enforcement seemed to be absent.
Image source, PAProtesters, who say the suspension of the price hike is not enough, have threatened to start a two-day national strike on Monday.
Image source, PAWith many streets still blocked by burning barricades, the French and Canadian embassies said they would remain closed on Monday.
Image source, ReutersPresident Moise has urged protesters to "go home", but with some lawmakers joining in the calls for his resignation, his position seems far from secure.
- 14 February 2018
