Protests demanding PM Ariel Henry’s resignation escalated and turned violent amid fuel price hike, forcing services to close; gangs exploited unrest and seized control of major oil terminal.

Anti-govt protests turned violent, forcing public and private services to close down. Protests that started late Aug demanding Henry’s resignation intensified: after govt 14 Sept announced drastic reduction of gasoline subsidies, which prompted sharp rise in prices, anti-govt demonstrations same day broke out and expanded across capital Port-au-Prince and other towns and cities, growing increasingly violent as protesters set fire to vehicles, blocked roads and burned barricades. Businesses, banks, transportation networks and other public services were forced to shut down, while many embassies, including Mexico’s and Dominican Republic’s, 14 Sept shut their borders. Police responded with force, with clashes (which involved gang members among protesters) leaving over ten civilians dead and many more injured. As leaders called for calm, businesses 21 Sept began opening their doors. However, protests and blockades 26 Sept resumed, again paralysing commercial and public activities across major cities. Civil society platform Montana Accord (who have proposed two-year transitional plan that includes five-member presidential college and new PM) 16 Sept said protests were legitimate and urged Haitians to continue taking to streets until formation of legitimate transitional govt.

Gangs exploited unrest, aggravating violence and blocking fuel supplies. G9 gang alliance, of which members 11 Sept murdered two journalists reporting on escalating gang violence in Cité Soleil district of Port-au-Prince, exacerbated unrest. Notably, G9 leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier was filmed 15 Sept leading protest and demanding Henry’s resignation. Meanwhile, G9 gang members 17 Sept dug trenches around Varreux oil terminal, blocking access to operators, employees and trucks and taking control of 188,000 barrels of fuel; petrol stations across country same day closed and had yet to reopen by end of month.

Fuel blockade further strained country’s public services, notably health sector. Caracol Industrial Park – which employs 13,000 workers – 25 Sept ceased operations due to lack of fuel, affecting electricity services. UN children agency UNICEF 26 Sept said fuel blockade was preventing deliveries needed to power hospitals and risked bringing country’s health services to “a standstill”.

Civil society platform Montana Accord called off negotiations with PM Ariel Henry while protestors demanded his resignation, and EU called for end to gang violence as clashes reignited. Political negotiations suffered setback as Monitoring Office of so-called Montana Accord (who have proposed two-year transitional plan that includes five-member presidential college and prime minister) 2 Aug announced end to discussions with interim govt of PM Henry, accusing him of refusing to advance dialogue on rebuilding institutional capacity and organising free and fair elections. Meanwhile, thousands of protestors 22, 29 Aug took to streets across Haiti, demanding Henry’s resignation, whom they blame for widespread poverty and violence. Following violent escalation of security crisis in July that left hundreds dead, EU 1 Aug called for immediate end to gang violence and emergency care for victims. Gang alliances G9 and G-Pep 12 Aug clashed in Cité Soleil district of Port-au-Prince, killing 50. UN office in Haiti 10 Aug condemned prison conditions that have caused 97 deaths since beginning of year, including occupancy at over four times maximum capacity in country’s four main prisons; urged authorities to provide prison administration with financial, human and material supplies, and accelerate judicial proceedings. Organization of American States General Secretariat 8 Aug condemned international community for poor management of Haiti’s crises, saying “this failure has to do with 20 years of erratic political strategy by an international community that was not capable of facilitating the construction of a single institution with the capacity to address the problems facing Haitians”; called on foreign partners to embrace new approach with financial and technical support to strengthen dialogue process, curb violence and help restore democracy. Over 400 Haitians 6-8 Aug arrived at Florida coast on sailboats; U.S. authorities took majority into custody, 9 Aug repatriated 186. Dominican Republic authorities 9 Aug arrested 492 irregular Haitian migrants and immediately deported them.

Fighting between rival gangs killed hundreds in capital Port-au-Prince, worsening already dire humanitarian situation; fuel shortages exacerbated by violence triggered protests. Security crisis in capital Port-au-Prince escalated as gunfights 7 July erupted between G-9 and G-pep gangs in Cité Soleil commune. UN 25 July said over 471 people were killed, injured or went missing 7-17 July as gangs battled for control of territory, and reported serious incidents of sexual violence against women and girls as well as recruitment of boys into gangs. Fighting exacerbated country’s grave humanitarian crisis. Notably, humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières 13 July reported that thousands of civilians were trapped in Brooklyn neighbourhood of Cité Soleil without adequate food, water or medical care, while UN 25 July said 3,000 people had been forced to flee their homes. Bahamian PM Philip Davis 24 July said 17 Haitian refugees had died and many more were still missing after boat capsized off coast of Bahamas. Violence 27 July flared once more between G-9 and G-Pep gangs in Port-au-Prince’s Bel Air neighbourhood, leaving city’s cathedral in flames. National Network for Defence of Human Rights Executive Director Pierre Espérance 11 July accused PM Henry’s govt of inaction, 18 July said gangs attacked “with the complicity of the government”. Turf war from 11 July paralysed Varreux oil terminal, exacerbating existing fuel shortage and triggering further unrest despite activities resuming 14 July. Motorcycle taxi drivers 13 July organised protests against fuel shortage, burning tire barricades to block intersections in downtown Port-au-Prince. Further protests 15 July erupted in Cap-Haitien city (north), paralysing commerce and public transport. Meanwhile, as of 27 July, gang members retained control of Court of First Instance of Port-au-Prince – largest court in country – following seizure of building one month prior. Haitian National Association of Court Clerks president 11 July accused Henry of not “even [trying] to regain control”. Ahead of 15 July expiration of UN mission to Haiti (BINUH), local activists 14 July protested in front of BINUH office in Port-au-Prince, opposing mandate’s renewal due to perceived ineffectiveness. UN Security Council 15 July voted to extend BINUH mandate until 15 July 2023.

Amid political stalemate, gang violence continued to run high, notably with group seizing control of country’s highest court. Negotiations between so-called Montana Accord (who have proposed two-year transitional plan that includes five-member presidential college and prime minister) and acting PM Ariel Henry had yet to start by end of month, as both parties during month fell short of agreeing on terms and agenda of discussions. Amid ongoing political impasse, hundreds of former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide’s supporters 26 June marched to his residence in capital Port-au-Prince, calling for his return to power. Gang violence continued to disrupt security. Members of “5 Segonn” gang 10 June attacked Court of First Instance in Port-au-Prince, country’s highest court, in fourth such attack since May, storming and seizing control of building; gang 14 June reportedly set fire to court files and removed safes, furniture, computers and vehicles. Police had not been able to regain control of building by end of month. 400 Mawozo gang members 7 June released three of eight Turkish missionaries kidnapped 8 May during bus hijacking in Croix-des-Bouquets neighbourhood, Port-au-Prince; 15 June released five remaining hostages. Police 26 June arrested alleged “Baz Pilat” gang leader Ezekiel Alexander; supporters 27-28 June staged protests in Carrefour-Feuilles, Port-au-Prince, demanding his release. 1 June marked anniversary of gangs taking control of National Route 2 section in Martissant neighbourhood, Port-au-Prince. U.S.-based National Human Rights Defense Network 10 June reported armed individuals murdered 44 police officers between 17 June 2021 and 6 June 2022. UN Sec Gen António Guterres 16 June reported gang violence killed at least 782 Haitians and saw 540 kidnapped 1 Jan-31 May 2022. Haitian chancellor Jean Victor Généus same day affirmed police commitment to combatting gangs and called for international assistance toward operations, said “free democratic elections” were “not conceivable” in current environment.

Gang violence continued to run high across Port-au-Prince, notably in Croix-des-Bouquets neighbourhood, while negotiations on political transition resumed. Turf war between gangs Chen Mechan and 400 Mawozo that began 24 April continued until 5 May. Acting PM Ariel Henry did not comment on armed clashes, sparking widespread outrage at ineffective police response. Also in Croix-des-Bouquets, 400 Mawozo 8 May hijacked bus, kidnapping 12 passengers including Dominican driver and eight Turkish missionaries; 400 Mawozo 14 May released driver, all other hostages remained in captivity as of 24 May. Armed bandits 30 May attacked bus in Port-au-Prince’s Martissant neighbourhood, killing one and injuring two passengers. Dominican Republic FM Roberto Álvarez 4 May announced release of Dominican diplomat Carlos Guillén Tatis, kidnapped 29 April by gang 400 Mawozo in Croix-des-Bouquets. UN 17 May reported at least 92 people unaffiliated with gangs and some 96 alleged gang members killed in Port-au-Prince 24 April-16 May. International humanitarian organisation Doctors Without Borders 22 May expressed concern over continued closure of its hospitals amid “unacceptable situation of insecurity”. Authorities 3 May extradited 400 Mawozo leader Germine Joly aka “Yonyon” to U.S., incarcerated since 2018; U.S. federal grand jury 10 May indicted Joly for role in armed kidnapping of 16 U.S. Christian missionaries in Haiti in Oct 2021. Following months of stalled negotiations between PM Henry and members of so-called Montana Accord (who have proposed two-year transitional plan that includes five-member presidential college and prime minister), Henry 11 and 15 May met with Montana Accord member and former culture minister to establish rules for engaging in formal negotiations. Henry made counter-proposal, which Montana Accord 21 May objected to because agenda did not include governance arrangements; 29 May sent new agenda including stipulations for “sufficient consensus” to enact constitutional changes and “transparent and credible structures” for holding elections. Meanwhile, Court of First Instance 30 May appointed Judge Walter Wesser Voltaire to oversee investigation into late President Moïse’s assassination.

Stalemate over political transition continued, while ongoing gang violence triggered health centre closure. Amid ongoing political tensions, U.S. diplomat Barbara Feinstein 6 April met members of so-called Montana Accord (who have proposed two-year transitional plan that includes five-member presidential college and prime minister) in capital Port-au-Prince; members said govt mediation commission, appointed 31 March to seek agreement between PM Henry and Montana Accord members, was formed unilaterally, rendering it illegitimate. Representatives of two political organisations 11 April withdrew backing for PM Henry, held meeting with members of Montana Accord to seek agreement on proposed transitional govt. Gang violence persisted through month. International humanitarian organisation Doctors Without Borders 1 April temporarily suspended operations at emergency health centre in Port-au-Prince’s impoverished commune Cité Soleil due to violence. Authorities 5 April arrested prison director, police officer and court clerk for allegedly releasing imprisoned gang leader Ti Samy in exchange for bribes in northern coastal city of Fort-Liberté. Police 16 April killed two members of “5 Secondes” gang in firefight in Port-au-Prince’s Martissant neighbourhood; police next day arrested two more gang members. Gang 400 Mawozo 24-26 April clashed with rival gang Chen Mechan in turf war over six neighbourhoods in and around Croix-des-Missions, Port-au-Prince; Haitian Civil Protection Agency 27 April reported clashes left at least 20 civilians killed, with nearly two dozen wounded and thousands displaced. Meanwhile, former Colombian soldier Mario Antonio Palacios, extradited from Panama to U.S. in Jan, 4 April pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiring to kill or kidnap late President Moïse; mandate of Judge Merlan Belabre, who was overseeing investigation into Moïse’s assassination since 4 March, expired 25 April; no judge in Haiti overseeing investigation into Moïse’s assassination by month’s end.

Political transitional arrangements remained precarious, gang-related violence persisted, and protesters denounced insecurity. U.S. Assistant Sec State for Conflict and Stabilization Operations Anne Witowsky 7-9 March met interim PM Ariel Henry (who remained in office despite 7 Feb expiration of his term) and members of so-called Montana Accord (who have proposed two-year transitional plan that includes five-member presidential college and a prime minister); visit to country yielded no major progress. Haitian Senate President Joseph Lambert increasingly sought to reach agreement between key political actors: 10 March met with Montana Accord members and 14 March met with representatives of National Agreement Protocol (collective of political parties and civil society in alliance with Montana Accord since Jan); Henry declined three offers during month to meet with Lambert. Meanwhile, armed men in police uniforms 2 March kidnapped and later released two doctors; Haitian Medical Association 14-16 March held strike to protest gang violence. Protesters 9 March demonstrated in capital Port-au-Prince to denounce police brutality against journalists following 23 Feb police shooting of journalist Maxihen Lazzare. Gang members 14 March stole seven buses and robbed their passengers on gang-controlled main road in capital’s Martissant neighbourhood; in response, Haitian Drivers and Owners Association 17 March went on strike and along with more than 50 organisations called for demonstrations 29 March to protest insecurity. Civil society members 28 March petitioned Henry to protest “hostage-taking of the entire population”, outlining roadmap to address insecurity; Henry same day chaired meeting with Superior Council of National Police and petitioners. Demonstrators 29 March torched plane owned by U.S. missionary group at Les Cayes airport during protest against insecurity; Henry same day condemned incident as “subversive”. Protesters 29 March also set alight plane in Jacmel airport to denounce insecurity in Martissant. Dominican authorities 2 March deported former Haitian police officer Tanis Philome to Haiti over alleged link to assassination of President Moïse. Judge Merlan Belabre 4 March became fourth official to oversee investigation. Belabre 12 March accused govt and judiciary of inadequate security for himself and his family since taking on case.

Interim PM Henry held on to power despite mandate expiration; political negotiations with civil society proposing transitional govt failed, fuelling political instability amid gang insecurity. Interim PM Henry 7 Feb rejected critics’ argument that his term had expired on 7 Feb (date when former President Moïse’s term would have ended) and stated elections were only solution to political impasse. Representatives from Montana Accord (who have proposed two-year transitional plan that includes five-member presidential college and a prime minister) 11 Feb met Henry behind closed doors; follow-up meeting due to be held 14 Feb however did not take place, Montana Accord Monitoring Office same day said negotiations would resume if several preconditions are in place including suspension of new Provisional Electoral Council and Henry’s collaboration in Moïse’s assassination investigation. Local media 4 Feb said Judge Chavannes Étienne now in charge of overseeing investigation, follows Judge Garry Orélien’s resignation in Jan. U.S.-based TV channel CNN 8 Feb revealed Orélien had said in Autumn 2021 recording that Henry is “connected” with mastermind of Moïse’s killing. FM Jean Victor Généus 10 Feb rejected allegations of Henry’s involvement in assassination; Étienne same day withdrew from case, citing concerns for his life. Meanwhile, gang violence continued. Notably, unknown assailants 4-6 Feb killed at least ten people and gangs kidnapped at least 20 others in capital Port-au-Prince and in Croix-des-Bouquets, including University rector and former Education Minister Gérard Dorcély, who was held in captivity for more than two weeks. Henry 14 Feb said he is committed to taking back control of Port-au-Prince’s Martissant neighbourhood including through clearing gang-controlled section of main road connecting capital to southern peninsula; police 21 Feb arrested five members of “400 Mawozo” gang. Amid rising inflation, factory workers primarily in the garment sector mid-month demonstrated to call for increased salaries; govt 21 Feb announced hikes in minimum wage; police 23 Feb reportedly opened fire on demonstrators in Port-au-Prince calling for higher minimum wage, leaving one journalist dead. Meanwhile, Dominican govt 20 Feb began building wall at its border with Haiti to stop irregular migration and smuggling.

Gang-related insecurity persisted, and U.S. detained several key suspects in President Moïse’s assassination; end of PM Henry’s mandate on 7 Feb could spark violence and further turmoil. Suspected gang attacks continued unabated. Notably, unidentified gunmen 1 Jan fired shots outside cathedral in Gonaives city hosting Haitian 218th independence anniversary celebrations attended by PM Henry in possible assassination attempt, killing civilian and wounding two; police 3 Jan cited attackers as “armed groups”. Suspected gang members 6 Jan opened fire on reporters in capital Port-au-Prince, killing two journalists. Armed attackers 13 Jan kidnapped Cuban doctor, demanding $100,000 ransom. Skeletal Senate (with ten out of 30 seats filled) 10 Jan reconvened for first time in a year; outgoing Senate President Joseph Lambert same day committed to leading sessions despite expiring term, affirming “2022 will be an election year”. Organisations supporting major civil society initiative known as “Montana Agreement”, created Aug 2021 with view to helping resolve political crisis, 14 Jan met for five days in Louisiana state (U.S.); 30 Jan announced plan for political transition helmed by Fritz Jean, well-known economist and former central bank governor, as interim president and Steven Benoit as interim PM. Rejecting political appointments, Lavalas, party of former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, 29 Jan withdrew from Montana Agreement. While investigation into July killing of President Moïse stalled in Haiti, neighbouring authorities detained key suspects. Notably, Colombian military officer Mario Palacios was captured 3 Jan in Panama as he tried to return to Colombia, and then extradited to Miami city (U.S.), where U.S. 4 Jan charged him with conspiracy to kill Moïse. Following U.S. request, Dominican authorities 7 Jan captured second key suspect Rodolphe Jarr and 20 Jan extradited him to Miami, while Jamaican authorities 15 Jan detained former opposition Senator and suspect John Joel Joseph. Meanwhile, U.S. govt and others inside and outside Haiti raised concerns throughout month that expiry of PM Henry’s mandate on 7 Feb (date when Moïse’s term would have ended) could bring violence and further instability.

Amid persistent food insecurity and gang violence, political transition remained fragile. Gang violence persisted as clashes between G9-affiliated Ti Bwa gang and Village de Dieu gang 1 Dec killed five civilians and wounded 12 in Martissant neighbourhood of capital Port-au-Prince. Also in Martissant, unidentified gunmen 24 Dec killed transport union coordinator Guy Polinice and two others, and 29 Dec shot at public buses, killing four and wounding four. Prisoners 31 Dec attempted escape at Croix-des-Bouquets prison, killing ten inmates and injuring four police officers. In small improvement, 400 Mawozo gang 5 Dec released three missionaries abducted 16 Oct, 16 Dec released all remaining hostages; police 9 Dec arrested gang leader Clerny Jonas alias “Ti Jonas”, operating in Jalousie, south of Port-au-Prince, 14 Dec arrested Cathel Jones, alleged leader of G9-linked gang Terre Noire, and 26 Dec arrested gang leader Johnny Charles alias “Gato”. PM Henry 7 Dec announced fuel price hike; protesters 10 Dec took to streets upon its entry into force. Education Minister Nesmy Manigat 23 Dec said insecurity directly impacting nearly 200 schools in Port-au-Prince. Monitoring Office of 30 Aug Montana Accord tasked to support transitional arrangement 12 Dec created National Transitional Council, comprising 52 members from civil society organisations, political parties and independent political groups, set to elect provisional president and PM. International news outlet New York Times same day reported President Moïse had been compiling list of political elites and businesspeople linked to Haitian drug trade in months prior to his July assassination. U.S. Rep Andy Levin 7 Dec called on U.S. to support civil society coalition Commission for a Haitian-led solution to the crisis. Following UN report which said nearly half of Haiti’s population undernourished in 2018-2020, UN humanitarian agency 6 Dec requested $373.5 mn in humanitarian aid for Haiti in 2022. In Cap-Haitien port city, north, a fuel tanker 14 Dec crashed and exploded, killing at least 90 civilians.