President calls for unity as protesters reject appeal
HAITIAN PRESIDENT Jovenel Moïse on Wednesday urged a pause in the unrest that has paralyzed the Caribbean nation, but offered no solution to the demands of protesters furious over corruption, a gasolene shortage and growing economic hardship.
Moïse, who has largely avoided public appearances in recent weeks, made a televised appeal for unity as he asked opponents to help his administration resolve the multiple problems facing Haiti.
“Unemployment, insecurity and political turmoil prevent children from going to school, paralysing many other activities,” he said. “These events have far-reaching consequences for our lives and the lives of our children.”
The country has been roiled by months of protests over a corruption scandal involving allegations that top government officials under the previous government misused billions of dollars in public funds meant for urgent social programmes. So far, no one has been indicted.
Surging inflation has been eating away at salaries in one of the hemisphere’s poorest nations, and the cash-starved government has been unable to pay gasolene suppliers, who are demanding some $100 million owed for previous shipments. They have cut off deliveries, forcing gas stations in Portau-Prince and elsewhere to remain largely closed for three weeks.
Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers have blocked Moïse’s choice of prime minister as a way to pressure him to leave office and hinder his ability to govern. That led to a clash Monday in which a senator fired a gun as protesters rushed toward him and two people were hit by bullets, including an Associated Press photographer and a Senate guard.