Haiti's government formally requested a multinational force more than a year ago. The force would be deployed to help Haitian police restore control of the capital Port-au-Prince. Watch this video for all details.

List of countries responding to Haiti PM's call for international security support

Haiti's government declared a state of emergency. This was following violent clashes in the capital that have damaged communications and led to two prison breaks. Watch this video for all details.

Why has Haiti declared a state of emergency?

At least five armed agents of an environmental protection group that in recent years has evolved into a paramilitary body were killed after a shootout with national police in Haiti’s capital, on Wednesday (Feb 7), according to media reports that cited the police. This comes as violent protests seeking the ouster of Prime Minister Ariel Henry have paralysed the country.&nbsp;

<h2>Five agents of BSAP killed</h2>

Haiti has witnessed a fresh wave of violence since Monday (Feb 5) as thousands of Haitians took to the streets to protest the unelected government of the incumbent PM and called on him to resign.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Kenya: Mission to Haiti stalled yet again

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On Wednesday, the police trade union, as per Reuters said five agents of Haiti’s Security Brigade for Protected Areas (BSAP), an armed environmental agency, were killed after a shootout with national police in the capital city of Port-au-Prince.&nbsp;

Additionally, three other members of the agency were arrested, said the police.&nbsp;

The recent clash follows days of protests across the country ahead of the February 7 deadline which Henry had promised to step down by, and on which Haitian presidents are traditionally sworn into office.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-un-flags-violence-as-531-die-in-gang-wars-in-2023-so-far-574337">Haiti: UN flags violence as 531 die in gang wars in 2023 so far</a>

Haiti, since Monday, has been witnessing clashes between rival gangs, police and civilian vigilante groups leading to a devastating impact on the local residents who often face indiscriminate killings, rampant sexual violence, lootings, kidnaps for ransom and arson.&nbsp;

The police later used tear gas to disperse protesters, who set fire to car tyres.&nbsp;

<h2>Haiti&nbsp;PM urges calm</h2>

In his first statement since the violent protests broke out on Monday, Henry urged calm in a brief public address early Thursday (Feb 8). “I think the time has arrived for all to put our heads together to save Haiti, to do things another way in our country,” he said.&nbsp;

The incumbent PM also urged Haitians not to look at the government or the country’s national police as their adversaries, adding that those who choose violence to take power are “not working in the interests of the Haitian people.”&nbsp;

Henry said Haitians need peace, security, work and the ability to move freely around the country and pledged to hold general elections as soon as Haiti’s security issues are resolved.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-sounds-alarm-over-new-wave-of-extreme-violence-in-haiti-600-killed-in-april-590623">UN sounds alarm over 'new wave of extreme violence' in Haiti; 600 killed in April</a>

Notably, the incumbent PM assumed power after the assassination of Haiti’s last president in 2021.&nbsp;

In December 2022, he signed a non-binding accord to step down by February 7, 2024, but has since insisted that security conditions must be re-established to hold free and fair elections.

Henry had “not provided any solutions to our problems,” a protester, 40, who declined to give his name told AFP.&nbsp;

He added, “The country is being held hostage by gangs. We can’t eat. We can’t send our children to school,” he added. “We can’t take it anymore.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

At least five armed agents of an environmental protection group that in recent years has evolved into a paramilitary body were killed after a shootout with national police in Haiti’s capital, on Wednesday (Feb 7), according to media reports that cited the police.

At least five armed agents of an environmental protection group that in recent years has evolved into a paramilitary body were killed after a shootout with national police in Haiti’s capital, on Wednesday (Feb 7), according to media reports that cited the police. This comes as violent protests seeking the ouster of Prime Minister Ariel Henry have paralysed the country. Five agents of BSAP killed Haiti has witnessed a fresh wave of violence since Monday (Feb 5) as thousands of Haitians took to the streets to protest the unelected government of the incumbent PM and called on him to resign. WATCH | Kenya: Mission to Haiti stalled yet again On Wednesday, the police trade union, as per Reuters said five agents of Haiti’s Security Brigade for Protected Areas (BSAP), an armed environmental agency, were killed after a shootout with national police in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Additionally, three other members of the agency were arrested, said the police. The recent clash follows days of protests across the country ahead of the February 7 deadline which Henry had promised to step down by, and on which Haitian presidents are traditionally sworn into office. ALSO READ | Haiti: UN flags violence as 531 die in gang wars in 2023 so far Haiti, since Monday, has been witnessing clashes between rival gangs, police and civilian vigilante groups leading to a devastating impact on the local residents who often face indiscriminate killings, rampant sexual violence, lootings, kidnaps for ransom and arson. The police later used tear gas to disperse protesters, who set fire to car tyres. Haiti PM urges calm In his first statement since the violent protests broke out on Monday, Henry urged calm in a brief public address early Thursday (Feb 8). “I think the time has arrived for all to put our heads together to save Haiti, to do things another way in our country,” he said. The incumbent PM also urged Haitians not to look at the government or the country’s national police as their adversaries, adding that those who choose violence to take power are “not working in the interests of the Haitian people.” Henry said Haitians need peace, security, work and the ability to move freely around the country and pledged to hold general elections as soon as Haiti’s security issues are resolved. ALSO READ | UN sounds alarm over 'new wave of extreme violence' in Haiti; 600 killed in April Notably, the incumbent PM assumed power after the assassination of Haiti’s last president in 2021. In December 2022, he signed a non-binding accord to step down by February 7, 2024, but has since insisted that security conditions must be re-established to hold free and fair elections. Henry had “not provided any solutions to our problems,” a protester, 40, who declined to give his name told AFP. He added, “The country is being held hostage by gangs. We can’t eat. We can’t send our children to school,” he added. “We can’t take it anymore.” (With inputs from agencies)

Haiti protests: At least five killed in clashes with police, PM breaks silence

Tensions continue to soar in Haiti as angry protesters took to streets blocking roads to protect a slew of killings of police officers by the Haitian gangs over the last week. Protesters in civilian clothes who identified themselves as the police officers took to the streets.

Protests in Haiti by police, tensions soar; roads blocked and airport stormed by protesters

One Journalist killed, two more injured as Haiti police open fire on protesters

At least 42 people have been killed and dozens injured during anti-government protests in Haiti since mid-September, the UN's human rights body said Friday, adding it was "deeply concerned" by the crisis.

The poorest country in the Americas has been roiled for two months by protests, which were triggered by fuel shortages but have turned violent and morphed into a broader campaign against President Jovenel Moise.

"We are deeply concerned about the protracted crisis in Haiti, and its impact on the ability of Haitians to access their basic rights to healthcare, food, education and other needs," the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said in a statement.

It said reports indicate that security forces were responsible for 19 of the deaths, with the remainder of those killed by armed individuals or unknown attackers.

Spokeswoman Marta Hurtado said some 86 people had also been injured in the violence since September 15. The majority were victims of gunshots.

At least one journalist was killed and nine others have been hurt, the UN added, calling for the freedom of the press to be respected.

After analyzing videos of the violence, rights group Amnesty International said security forces directly under Moise's command had committed some of the abuses.

"The security forces under the command of President Jovenel Moise have used excessive force. Such incidents must be investigated promptly, thoroughly and effectively," said Erika Guevara-Rosas, head of Amnesty's Americas department.

The group added that it had "verified instances in which police armed with semi-automatic rifles fired live ammunition during protests, in violation of international human rights law and standards on the use of force." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Amnesty added that they had also seen footage of police "launching tear gas out of a moving police vehicle amidst peaceful protesters, firing on protesters with less-lethal ammunition at extremely close-range, and beating a protester."

On Friday, a video emerged on social media that appeared to show a police vehicle ramming a barricade where an unidentified man had taken cover last Monday. A few minutes later the clip showed an inanimate body being retrieved from the debris and carried away by locals who had tried in vain to rescue him.

At the time and date shown on the video, police had said they were carrying out operations to clear barricades in the neighbourhood on the outskirts of the capital Port-au-Prince. Less than two hours after the unnamed man's alleged death, clashes broke out between locals and police.

"Two police officers were wounded by gunshots to the foot and ankle while trying to clear barricades in the Torcel area on Monday, October 28 at around 1810 in the evening," police said on Monday.

Another police statement later said that local residents had "opened fire and thrown rocks at police, who responded."&nbsp;

Angry opposition

Since coming to power in February 2017, Moise has had to face the anger of an opposition movement that refuses to recognize his victory in an election widely seen as dubious.

Anger mounted in late August due to a national fuel shortage, and protests turned violent.

But even before this crisis erupted, Moise was accused of corruption.

An auditors' court probing $2 billion in aid from a Venezuelan oil fund found that companies run by Moise before he became president were "at the heart of an embezzling scheme."

The protests are spreading: In recent weeks, various professional or social groups have taken to the streets against the president one after another, such as university students and police.

OHCHR's report said most children had been unable to go to school since the protests began, while roadblocks and violence have meant particularly those outside the capital have had difficulty accessing "food, drinking water, medicine and fuel."

There is no dialogue underway with the opposition, and the already weak economy is starting to suffer.

Hurtado acknowledged the difficulty in bringing the diverse groups together for talks.

At least 42 people have been killed and dozens injured during anti-government protests in Haiti since mid-September, the UN's human rights body said Friday, adding it was "deeply concerned" by the crisis.

At least 42 people have been killed and dozens injured during anti-government protests in Haiti since mid-September, the UN's human rights body said Friday, adding it was "deeply concerned" by the crisis. The poorest country in the Americas has been roiled for two months by protests, which were triggered by fuel shortages but have turned violent and morphed into a broader campaign against President Jovenel Moise. "We are deeply concerned about the protracted crisis in Haiti, and its impact on the ability of Haitians to access their basic rights to healthcare, food, education and other needs," the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said in a statement. It said reports indicate that security forces were responsible for 19 of the deaths, with the remainder of those killed by armed individuals or unknown attackers. Spokeswoman Marta Hurtado said some 86 people had also been injured in the violence since September 15. The majority were victims of gunshots. At least one journalist was killed and nine others have been hurt, the UN added, calling for the freedom of the press to be respected. After analyzing videos of the violence, rights group Amnesty International said security forces directly under Moise's command had committed some of the abuses. "The security forces under the command of President Jovenel Moise have used excessive force. Such incidents must be investigated promptly, thoroughly and effectively," said Erika Guevara-Rosas, head of Amnesty's Americas department. The group added that it had "verified instances in which police armed with semi-automatic rifles fired live ammunition during protests, in violation of international human rights law and standards on the use of force." Amnesty added that they had also seen footage of police "launching tear gas out of a moving police vehicle amidst peaceful protesters, firing on protesters with less-lethal ammunition at extremely close-range, and beating a protester." On Friday, a video emerged on social media that appeared to show a police vehicle ramming a barricade where an unidentified man had taken cover last Monday. A few minutes later the clip showed an inanimate body being retrieved from the debris and carried away by locals who had tried in vain to rescue him. At the time and date shown on the video, police had said they were carrying out operations to clear barricades in the neighbourhood on the outskirts of the capital Port-au-Prince. Less than two hours after the unnamed man's alleged death, clashes broke out between locals and police. "Two police officers were wounded by gunshots to the foot and ankle while trying to clear barricades in the Torcel area on Monday, October 28 at around 1810 in the evening," police said on Monday. Another police statement later said that local residents had "opened fire and thrown rocks at police, who responded." Angry opposition Since coming to power in February 2017, Moise has had to face the anger of an opposition movement that refuses to recognize his victory in an election widely seen as dubious. Anger mounted in late August due to a national fuel shortage, and protests turned violent. But even before this crisis erupted, Moise was accused of corruption. An auditors' court probing $2 billion in aid from a Venezuelan oil fund found that companies run by Moise before he became president were "at the heart of an embezzling scheme." The protests are spreading: In recent weeks, various professional or social groups have taken to the streets against the president one after another, such as university students and police. OHCHR's report said most children had been unable to go to school since the protests began, while roadblocks and violence have meant particularly those outside the capital have had difficulty accessing "food, drinking water, medicine and fuel." There is no dialogue underway with the opposition, and the already weak economy is starting to suffer. Hurtado acknowledged the difficulty in bringing the diverse groups together for talks.

At least 42 killed in Haiti protest violence: United Nations

At least 42 people have been killed and dozens injured during anti-government protests in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-against-haitis-president-moise-257138">Haiti since mid-September</a>, the UN's human rights body said Friday, adding it was "deeply concerned" by the crisis.

The poorest country in the Americas has been roiled for two months by protests, which were triggered by fuel shortages but have turned violent and morphed into a broader campaign against President Jovenel Moise.

"We are deeply concerned about the protracted crisis in Haiti, and its impact on the ability of Haitians to access their basic rights to healthcare, food, education and other needs," the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said in a statement.

It said reports indicate that security forces were responsible for 19 of the deaths, with the remainder of those killed by armed individuals or unknown attackers.

Spokeswoman Marta Hurtado said some 86 people had also been injured in the violence since September 15. The majority were victims of gunshots.

At least one journalist was killed and nine others have been hurt, the UN added, calling for the freedom of the press to be respected.

Since coming to power in February 2017, Moise has had to face the anger of an opposition movement that refuses to recognize his victory in an election widely seen as dubious.

Anger mounted in late August due to a national fuel shortage, and protests turned violent.

But even before this crisis erupted, Moise was accused of corruption.

An auditors' court probing two billion dollars in aid from a Venezuelan oil fund found that companies run by Moise before he became president were "at the heart of an embezzling scheme."

The protests are spreading: in recent weeks, various professional or social groups have taken to the streets against the president one after another, such as university students and police.

OHCHR's report said most children had been unable to go to school since the protests began, while roadblocks and violence have meant particularly those outside the capital have had difficulty accessing "food, drinking water, medicine and fuel".

There is no dialogue underway with the opposition, and the already <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-against-haitis-president-moise-257138">weak economy</a> is starting to suffer.

Hurtado acknowledged the difficulty in bringing the diverse groups together for talks.

At least 42 people have been killed and dozens injured during anti-government protests in Haiti since mid-September, the UN's human rights body said Friday, adding it was "deeply concerned" by the crisis. The poorest country in the Americas has been roiled for two months by protests, which were triggered by fuel shortages but have turned violent and morphed into a broader campaign against President Jovenel Moise. "We are deeply concerned about the protracted crisis in Haiti, and its impact on the ability of Haitians to access their basic rights to healthcare, food, education and other needs," the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said in a statement. It said reports indicate that security forces were responsible for 19 of the deaths, with the remainder of those killed by armed individuals or unknown attackers. Spokeswoman Marta Hurtado said some 86 people had also been injured in the violence since September 15. The majority were victims of gunshots. At least one journalist was killed and nine others have been hurt, the UN added, calling for the freedom of the press to be respected. Since coming to power in February 2017, Moise has had to face the anger of an opposition movement that refuses to recognize his victory in an election widely seen as dubious. Anger mounted in late August due to a national fuel shortage, and protests turned violent. But even before this crisis erupted, Moise was accused of corruption. An auditors' court probing two billion dollars in aid from a Venezuelan oil fund found that companies run by Moise before he became president were "at the heart of an embezzling scheme." The protests are spreading: in recent weeks, various professional or social groups have taken to the streets against the president one after another, such as university students and police. OHCHR's report said most children had been unable to go to school since the protests began, while roadblocks and violence have meant particularly those outside the capital have had difficulty accessing "food, drinking water, medicine and fuel". There is no dialogue underway with the opposition, and the already weak economy is starting to suffer. Hurtado acknowledged the difficulty in bringing the diverse groups together for talks.

Protests erupt in Haiti over fuel shortage. Watch video to know more.

Protests erupt in Haiti over fuel shortage

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List of countries responding to Haiti PM's call for international security support

Why has Haiti declared a state of emergency?

Haiti protests: At least five killed in clashes with police, PM breaks silence

Protests in Haiti by police, tensions soar; roads blocked and airport stormed by protesters

One Journalist killed, two more injured as Haiti police open fire on protesters

At least 42 killed in Haiti protest violence: United Nations

At least 42 killed in Haiti protest violence: United Nations

Protests erupt in Haiti over fuel shortage