Protesters in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, clashed with police on Wednesday, as they rallied against escalating gang violence and urged the government to restore security.
The protests, which began peacefully, turned chaotic when armed individuals opened fire on police near the prime minister’s office and the transitional presidential council.
The gunfire caused panic, sending crowds fleeing, while demonstrators blocked roads with burning tyres and called on police to turn against the government.
The unrest is the first major challenge for Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, appointed in November.
Gangs now control 85% of the capital, displacing thousands and expanding into new areas. The UN warns of worsening violence in the country, with over 4,200 killed in recent months.
