Haiti: 2 people lose their lives as hundreds protest in Port-au-Prince

The capital city of Haiti, Port-au-Prince, witnessed 2 protesters being killed as hundreds of policemen took to the streets to protest against the issue of less salaries being paid to them in an environment that has already been plagued by violent protests that have entered its 5th week in Haiti. Reportedly, one of the protestors died because of a gunshot wound during a protest that demanded President Jovenel Moise to step down from his post. 

Violent protests a roadblock for Haiti

According to reports, numerous police officers in plainclothes had their faces hidden and were seen firing shots in the air to scare off the government protesters. Also, several gunshots were fired from unidentified people right next to the area where the protesters were marching. 

Before the protests had started, the police officers in Haiti had put forward their problems at the headquarters of the Haitian National Police. While speaking to an international media outlet, an unidentified police officer stated that their pay was very less and also they did not have insurance. He further added that even though they had an insurance card, they had to pay for their medical expenses.

Read: Haiti’s Embattled President Faces 5th Week Of Protests

Since President Jovenel Moïse came to power in 2017, he has been subject to the anger of an opposition that refuses to see his Presidential victory in an election that was considered suspicious. Protests turned violent in nature as people got angry about a national fuel shortage. An investigation looking into the $2 billion aid from a Venezuela based oil fund found out that the companies under the President's name were involved in an embezzling scheme.

Read: Haiti Protesters Loot Stores, Battle Police As Situation Worsens

A crumbling economy

With schools and daily business operations being shut amid violent demonstrations, the economy is in tatters in the middle of skyrocketing inflation during a time the opposition party is wanting President Jovenel Moïse to step down from office. 

Approximately 11 million people in the Carribean country are going through a problem with a population of more than 60% earning less than $2 every day. The everyday issues faced by the residents of Haiti have become dire, as it is a direct consequence of violent protests and closure of roads that were a means for businesses to function which has now led to a struggle to keep up with the soaring prices due to fluctuating incomes.

Even before the demonstrations started towards the beginning of September, Haiti's economy was already crumbling. The nation had seen a decrease in assets from Petrocaribe, a Venezuela-sponsored oil plan, given the drop in oil costs, and also a significant drop in global aid with reference to the 2010 earthquake.

Read: Haiti Protesters Brace For More Upheaval Over Removal Of Its President

Read: Haiti: UN Reacts As Unrest Continues To Disrupt Daily Life & Services

(With inputs from agencies)