Thousands have been taking to the streets in Port-au-Prince, demanding Haitian President Jovenel Moise step down. Since Moise came into power in February 2017, an oppositional movement was made against him, where members claim the 2017 election was dubious, according to Yahoo. Moise refuses to acknowledge the election as such.
Anger with Moise grew to a tipping point in late August due to a national fuel shortage, and subsequent protests that turned violent.
"Jovenel is incapable and incompetent, he must pack his bags because Haiti must live," said one of the protesters, Jean Ronald, to Yahoo at a Sunday protest. "It is not normal to live in such an unequal country.”
Tuesday, many of the country’s Catholics were moved to join protesters, growing the population coming out against Moise.
"Jovenel, make a wise decision and resign. What are you president of? There is nothing in this country. No food, no hospitals, no schools," said protester Fausta Maisonneuve, who held a rosary in her hand.
According to France24, the Catholics that came out Tuesday were mainly young people who prayed aloud as they walked.
"We see the president cannot run the country. He is incompetent. He must resign because the social situation has become critical and deplorable," said Osma Joseph, who studies education, to France24.
The protest movements in recent weeks have grown after the United Nations ended its 15-year mission to stabilize Haiti. The UN Security Council first sent personnel after the army overthrew President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 2004.
“The protracted multidimensional crisis with which it has been contending since July 2018, shows little sign of abatement or resolution," wrote UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a report released last week. "I urge all actors to set aside their differences and particular interests to work together to overcome the increasingly preoccupying situation.”
The U.S. Embassy in Haiti issued a security alert regarding the protest, instructing travelers to avoid roadblocks and return to safe areas.
