Haitians launch protests, demand ouster of prime minister

AP | A couple of thousand protesters in Haiti’s capital and other major cities blocked roads, shut down businesses, and marched through the streets Monday to demand that Prime Minister Ariel Henry step down and to call for a better quality of life.

Violence and kidnappings have surged in Port-au-Prince and nearby areas in recent months, with warring gangs killing hundreds of civilians in their fight over territory. They have grown more powerful since last year’s assassination of President Jovenel Moïse.

Poverty also has deepened, with inflation reaching 29 percent and some prices of some basic goods such as rice more than quadrupling. Gasoline also remains scarce and, if available, costs US$15 a gallon.

The protests come days after dozens of demonstrators staged a sit-in in front of Henry’s official residence and demanded that he resign.

On Monday, police clashed with demonstrators in some areas, firing tear gas to break up the crowd as burning tires blocked roads.