Violence as Haitians rally to call on PM to resign

Violence broke out during a protest in Port-au-Prince Monday when thousands went to the street to demand the resignation of Haiti's prime Minister Ariel Henry.

An AP cameraman saw at least two people with gunshot wounds who, according to protesters, were shot by police trying to break up the march through the residential area of Petion Ville.

Frustrated with lack of fuel and widespread violence that has paralyzed the capital for weeks, Haitians are demanding the Prime Minister step down.

Early in September, one of Haiti's powerful gangs blocked access to the country's largest fuel terminal, announcing it would not budge until Henry resigns.

Gasoline can only be found on the black market at the whopping cost of USD 30 a gallon.

The scarcity and costs have forced many businesses to shut down, including hospitals, a water bottling company, and key services as health authorities announced Sunday that it had identified 8 cases of cholera.

A reopening of schools that was expected for today was again postponed.

The high cost of living has driven many Haitians to poverty and hunger. "We don't have enough to eat, we've been in the streets for a day, and they don't understand our demands," said protester Junio Jean.

Another protester that did not want to be identified by his name said the people would continue to protest for "education, health and security."

Haiti has grown increasingly unstable ever since the July 7, 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, with gangs growing more powerful as Henry's administration still has no date for general elections scheduled to be held last year.