Hundreds of ex-president Aristide supporters clashed with police in 16 Dec Port-au-Prince demonstrations. MINUSTAH 8 Dec announced increased security in key cities during Dec/Jan.

Provisional electoral council (CEP) scheduled senatorial elections for 19 Apr 2009; Senate president Bastien rejected calls for Nov 2009 general elections. Desperate humanitarian situation continues after hurricane season.

UNSC 14 Oct extended MINUSTAH mandate 1 year. Humanitarian situation critical after devastating Sept storms; death toll over 800, damages estimated $1b.

New PM Michèle Pierre-Louis took office after Senate 5 Sept ratified her nomination. Devastating storms killed hundreds, destroyed crop reserves throughout month, prompting fears over new food crisis.

25 Aug presidential decree officially announced Michèle Pierre-Louis as new PM, named new cabinet. Inauguration scheduled 26 Aug, delayed by Hurricane Gustav. Chamber of Deputies 29 Aug overwhelmingly approved Pierre-Louis’s formal policy declaration, Senate to vote early Sept.

Chamber of Deputies 17 July ratified economist Michele Pierre-Louis as new PM; Senate confirmed 31 July. Dozens of ex-soldiers seized 2 military buildings 30 July, surrendered to police after 24 hours; demanded 14-year back pay, reinstatement of armed forces.

Chamber of Deputies 12 June rejected President Préval’s second PM nominee Robert Manuel. Third announced 23 June: economist Michele Pierre-Louis; initial signs of ratification positive. Large-scale Port-au-Prince protests 4 June against rise in kidnappings, which peaked at 36 in May; trend continued into June.

Political situation still insecure after Chamber of Deputies 12 May rejected President Préval’s PM nominee, Ericq Pierre, despite 7 May Senate approval. Deputies claimed because Pierre failed to prove Haitian ancestry; he said because refused to give bribes for votes. Préval 26 May nominated political ally and respected former state secretary of public security Robert Manuel for post.

Violent protests over rising cost of food and fuel early month killed at least 6, led to ouster of PM Alexis. Began in Les Cayes 3 Apr but soon spread across country, intensified in Port-au-Prince where protesters tried to storm National Palace 7 Apr. MINUSTAH peacekeepers targeted in Les Cayes. Alexis dismissed after no-confidence vote 12 Apr; Préval announced short-term rice subsidies 12 Apr; issued call for greater food aid, echoed by WFP. Ericq Pierre, IABD official designated as new PM by Préval 27 Apr awaiting ratification by 2 chambers.

Provisional Electoral Council head Pierre-Louis Aupont installed 6 March. 2 senators dismissed 18 March for alleged dual nationality. MINUSTAH, Haiti National Police increased checkpoints, mounted anti-gang operations to combat kidnappings. Former rebel leader, alleged cocaine trafficker Guy Philippe, again evaded joint U.S., Haiti operation 25 March.