BBC News

Haiti fuel protesters' anger turns on President Moise

Published
image copyrightPA
image captionAt 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 copyrightAFP
image captionThe 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 copyrightAFP
image captionEven 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 copyrightReuters
image captionThe 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 copyrightReuters
image captionBut while some of those in looted supermarkets grabbed food ...
image copyrightAFP
image caption... others seemed to make off with whatever they could.
image copyrightAFP
image captionIn Petion Ville, smoke could be seen rising from burning cars and barricades while looters carried away their stash.
image copyrightReuters
image captionPolice arrested some alleged looters who had entered a bank office in the capital, Port-au-Prince.
image copyrightPA
image captionBut in other areas of the capital law enforcement seemed to be absent.
image copyrightPA
image captionProtesters, who say the suspension of the price hike is not enough, have threatened to start a two-day national strike on Monday.
image copyrightPA
image captionWith many streets still blocked by burning barricades, the French and Canadian embassies said they would remain closed on Monday.
image copyrightReuters
image captionPresident Moise has urged protesters to "go home", but with some lawmakers joining in the calls for his resignation, his position seems far from secure.

Related Topics

  • Jovenel Moise
  • Haiti

More on this story

  • Eking out a living in Haiti's colourful slum city

    Published
    16 June 2018

  • Haiti's historic Port-au-Prince Iron Market ravaged by fire

    Published
    14 February 2018

© 2021 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.