Thousands of protesters have marched through the Haitian capital in one of the largest rallies in an ongoing push to oust President Jovenel Moise. At least two people were shot amid unconfirmed reports of deaths.
Thousands of Haitians marched through the capital, Port-au-Prince, on Friday as they demanded the removal of President Jovenel Moise.
Demonstrators headed for the UN headquarters in the city with placards emblazoned with the words "Resignation Jovenel" and "Jovenel Moise must leave now," calling on the United Nations to disown the president. Friday's march comes after weeks of similar protests.
Security forces used tear gas on protesters in an attempt to break up the unrest, the news agency Haiti Press Network (HPN) and Radio Metropole reported.
At least two people were shot and there were unconfirmed reports of deaths as police in riot gear blocked the main entrance to the capital's airport.
'The people are suffering'
Carlos Dorestant, a 22-year-old motorcycle driver, told The Associated Press that he witnessed a man next to him shot as protesters dismantled a barrier near the UN building.
"We are asking everyone in charge to tell Jovenel to resign," he said, wearing a blood-stained T-shirt. "The people are suffering."
According to HPN, the Haitian human rights group RNDDH has reported at least 15 fatal shootings during the last two weeks of September, as authorities battled against protesters.
The economy has been severely affected by the ongoing protests, 2 million children are unable to attend school and badly needed aid has been suspended, especially to rural areas. Supplies of gasoline, food and water are running short in some areas.
However, the US and the United Nations have yet to give up their support for Moise. Gabriel Fortune, mayor of the city of Les Cayes west of the capital, said Moise was contemplating resigning but that he would prefer to hold early elections.
"We will continue [our protests} until Jovenel leaves office," said Senator Sorel Jacinthe, a former ally of the president.
Haiti is seen as the Western Hemisphere's poorest country. It is largely dependent on foreign aid, and suffers from high levels of corruption and crime.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Takoradi traders lament over low sales ahead of Easter
46 mins -
Michael Ampadu: One Student, One Tablet initiative will shape the future of education and innovation
56 mins -
I will partner you for development – Alan tells TUC
1 hour -
Malnutrition, anemia remain concern to UNICEF
1 hour -
Kasoa shrinking penis: Court remands Electrician over false alarm
1 hour -
‘I look forward to working closely with President-elect Faye to enhance Ghanaian-Senegalese relations’ – Akufo-Addo
2 hours -
Girl, 8, only survivor as 45 killed in bus crash in South Africa
3 hours -
Biden to host star-studded NYC fundraiser with Obama and Clinton
3 hours -
GDNR, AAU and others launch Universal Acceptance for local languages in internet domain names
4 hours -
Ogum and Kotoko’s March malaise
5 hours -
BushGang Zee releases new afro dancehall anthem “Accra Stay By Plan”
6 hours -
2 repair vessels dispatched for undersea cable repairs – says NCA’s latest update
6 hours -
Multimedia Group Limited’s Clinton Yeboah shortlisted for 2 International Sports Press Association Awards
6 hours -
Supreme Court upholds High Court verdict on fraudulent sale of property by Senior Police Officer
6 hours -
NHIS Biometric Membership Authentication System limited rollout satisfactory – NHIA Deputy CEO
6 hours