Violent protests near Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, resulted in the deaths of five armed environmental protection agents during clashes with police. The protests, which began on Monday, are calling for the removal of Prime Minister Ariel Henry in accordance with a political agreement reached in 2022.
The unrest in Haiti has escalated, with thousands of people demanding Henry’s resignation and the holding of elections as outlined in the 2022 agreement. The violence on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of five members of the National Agency for Protected Areas (BSAP), an armed government bureau in open rebellion, after they refused to surrender their weapons and engaged in a shootout with police. Three other members of the agency were arrested.
The political agreement, reached following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, called for Henry to hold elections and transfer power to newly elected officials by February 7, 2024. However, Henry has remained in power, leading to further unrest and protests. The country has been plagued by armed gangs, economic struggles, and a failing public health system, exacerbated by the absence of elections and a vacant presidency.
The protests have been supported by several opposition parties and joined by employees of the environmental agency. The turmoil has resulted in attacks on a police station and the closure of major roads and schools across the country. The Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, announced that it is reinforcing its borders due to the escalating violence.