Thousands of protesters have marched through the Haitian capital to the UN headquarters in one of the largest demonstrations in a weekslong push to oust embattled President Jovenel Moise.
At least two people were shot as police in riot gear blocked the main entrance to the airport and fired tear gas at the crowd, which threw rocks and bottles.
Carlos Dorestant, a 22-year-old motorcycle driver, said he saw the man next to him shot, apparently by police, as protesters dismantled a barrier near the UN office.
"We are asking everyone in charge to tell Jovenel to resign," he said, his shirt stained with blood. "The people are suffering."
Demonstrators run as police open fire during a protest. Source: AFP
Several protesters held up signs asking the US for help. "Trump give Haiti one chance" read one, while another quoted a tweet by presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. A third referred to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who discussed the crisis with Haitians in Miami.
The unrest came after almost four weeks of protests in which 17 people have been reported killed, the economy has been largely paralysed, 2 million children have been kept from going to school and badly needed aid has been suspended, especially to rural areas. The US, United Nations and other important international players have yet to drop their support for Moise, making it appear unlikely that he will step down, despite protests that have made petrol, food and water scarce in some areas.
"We will continue until Jovenel leaves office," said Sen. Sorel Jacinthe, who was once the president's ally but joined the opposition earlier this year.
The opposition has rejected Moise's call for dialogue and created a nine-person commission it says would oversee an orderly transition of power, with many demanding a more in-depth investigation into corruption allegations which involve the use of funds from a Venezuela-subsidised oil program. Critics say Moise has not looked into the former top government officials accused, including ally and former President Michel Martelly.
Demonstrators protest outside the United Nations' main base in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Source: AFP
To protest against the alleged corruption and a shortage of basic goods, Haitians have taken to the streets in force.
Opposition leader and lawyer Andre Michel said the international community should recognise the protesters' demands and blamed Moise for the country's economic and social problems.
"He has plunged the country into chaos," he said.
Moise's ally, former Prime Minister Evans Paul, also met earlier this week with the Core Group, which includes officials from the United Nations, US, Canada and France to talk about the political situation. He has said that he believes Moise has two options: nominate an opposition-backed prime minister or shorten the length of his mandate.
Moise, who owned a company named in the investigation, has denied all corruption allegations. He urges dialogue and says he will not resign.
