5 killed in clashes with police in Haiti

In a confrontation with Haiti’s national police in Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, at least five members of the BSAP, an armed environmental agency that has morphed into a paramilitary force in recent years, were reportedly killed, as confirmed by the police trade union.

Haiti’s national police did not provide immediate responses to inquiries for further details, including any potential casualties among the police forces.

This incident comes in the wake of nationwide protests leading up to the deadline set by current unelected Prime Minister Ariel Henry to step down by Feb. 7, the traditional inauguration day for Haitian presidents.

Following the assassination of Haiti’s previous president in 2021, Ariel Henry assumed office and recently urged members of the BSAP to register with the country’s environmental ministry, a move seemingly aimed at tightening control over the agency.

Later today, Henry is anticipated to deliver a national address. Although he signed a non-binding agreement in December 2022 to step down by Feb. 7, 2024, he has emphasized the need to restore security conditions before holding credible elections.

Source: Newsroom

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