Haiti to unveil economic measures to quell violent protests

AP | Haitians on Friday vowed to keep protesting until President Jovenel Moïse resigns despite his announcement of upcoming economic measures designed to quell more than a week of violent demonstrations across the country.

Moïse said during a televised address late Thursday that he would not surrender the country to armed gangs and drug dealers and accused people of freeing prisoners to kill him. It was the first time Moïse had spoken since the demonstrations began, and he made another call for dialog with the opposition.

“I heard the voice of the people. I know the problems that torment them. That’s why the government has taken a lot of measures,: he said. “I asked the Prime Minister to come and explain them and implement them without delay in order to relieve misery.”

He said Prime Minister Jean-Henry Céant will share details of the new economic measures Friday.

The announcement comes as protesters remain angry about skyrocketing inflation and the government’s failure to prosecute embezzlement from a multi-billion dollar Venezuelan program that sent discounted oil to Haiti. Few believe the government will take any steps to alleviate the crisis.

Protesters continued to block roads across Haiti as food, water and gas became scarce. Schools, businesses and government offices remain closed. They have vowed to continue with the demonstrations until Moïse resigns.