In Port-au-Prince and in cities across Haiti, a deadly and deadly serious wave of protests unfolded this Monday. At least one person was killed and many were injured as thousands demonstrated, calling for the departure of Prime Minister Ariel Henry before February 7, the date traditionally linked to presidential appointments. The demonstrations reflected growing frustration with governance and the country’s political timetable, underscored by a sense that the current leadership could not steward Haiti through its most pressing crises.
Across Haiti, the southern town of Les Cayes reported a death and multiple injuries as angry crowds took to the streets. Social networks circulated images of the incident, while local observers confirmed that the unrest extended well beyond Les Cayes, signaling a nationwide wave of discontent with the government in power.
In the capital, barricades were lit and set on fire along busy routes, including portions of the Delmas corridor, and protesters moved through key avenues in opposition to Henry’s administration. After more than two years in power, many residents believed the government had failed to stabilize the country. Gunfire was reported in several districts of Port-au-Prince, schools remained closed, daily transport operated irregularly, and numerous businesses shuttered their doors in response to the unrest.
Former Prime Minister Claude Joseph, the representative of the Engages pour le Developpement party and a prominent critic of the current government, attended the demonstrations but the crowd was dispersed with tear gas as security forces held back the march toward the president’s residence.
Beyond Port-au-Prince, provincial centers such as Les Cayes, Gonaïves, and Ouanaminthe experienced widespread disruption, with life grinding to a near halt as marches and clashes interrupted everyday activities and commerce.
The demonstrations are part of a broader call for change that has gathered momentum in recent weeks. Protests have taken on a revolutionary tone for some organizers, with Guy Philippe mentioned as a former rebel leader whose stance has fed into the rhetoric. The national calendar has kept February 7 as a focal point for protests, even as schools closed to minimize risk to students and staff in the tense climate.
Haiti faces a steep combination of social, political, and economic challenges. The country has seen a surge in violence tied to powerful armed gangs that have carried out massacres, kidnappings, and sexual violence, complicating recovery efforts and day-to-day life. The international community recently signaled its intent to support Haiti with a multinational security mission, a project led by Kenya, approved by the United Nations Security Council last October but not yet implemented. The unfolding situation continues to demand careful attention from regional and global partners while aiming to protect civilians and restore a sense of normalcy to daily life.