Anti-Government Protests Erupt Across Haiti

Facts

• On Monday, at least one person was reportedly killed as anti-government protests and looting erupted throughout Haiti. This comes amid escalating gang violence that has disrupted food and fuel shipments and a burgeoning cholera public health crisis.
• Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across the Caribbean nation, demanding a halt to "foreign occupation" and the resignation of PM Ariel Henry, who requested international security assistance on Friday.
• UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an international force to support Haiti, with the country's ambassador to the US urging Canada and the US to take the lead for international aid. While the US is reviewing the request, Canada has conveyed the support of 19 Organization of American States members.
• Petroleum, basic supplies, and water are in short supply after a powerful gang blockaded a major fuel terminal in Port-au-Prince a month ago. Schools and petrol stations are closed, while grocery stores and banks are open on a limited basis.
• Citing social unrest, gang violence, and the threat of cholera, UNICEF has also warned that over 2.4M children in Haiti may not be able to attend school "unless urgent financial investments are made."
• Concern over the cholera outbreak continues to mount. According to the Canada-Haiti Information Project, cases of the disease have reportedly reached the National Penitentiary in Port-au-Prince with the potential to result in explosive growth.

Sources: BBC News, Al Jazeera, ABC, Relief Web, and Canada-Haiti.

Narratives

• Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Washington Post. Haiti's complex and deteriorating humanitarian emergency is another consequence of the killing of President Jovenal Moïse in 2021. Though the country has drifted into chaos, the international community remains silent and indifferent to Haiti's suffering. It's time for a robust international intervention to restore order and provide crucial aid.
• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Al Jazeera. While the international community must support action to assist Haiti in addressing its complex social unrest and humanitarian crisis, global powers must resist temptations to intervene strongly in Haitian affairs. Yes, Port-au-Prince needs help, but it can only achieve long-term political stability if Haitians are allowed to create a political system on their terms.