Opposition protesters have returned to the streets of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, as the government vows to deepen the investigation into allegations of corruption and implement economic measures.
Demonstrators burnt tyres and set up barricades in some streets on Sunday. At least seven people have been killed in the country since the protests began earlier this month.
Image copyrightREUTERS
Protesters are angry at soaring inflation and demand an independent investigation over claims that officials and former ministers misappropriated development funds from an oil deal signed between Caribbean countries and Venezuela, the PetroCaribe.
The alleged theft amounts to $2bn (£1.55bn), according to a court report.
The demonstrators have demanded the resignation of President Jovenel Moise, in power since 2017, who has also been accused of involvement in irregularities. But last week he rejected calls for his resignation, saying he would not leave the country in the "hands of armed gangs and drug traffickers".
Image copyrightAFP
Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas and 60% of the population live on less than $2 (£1.56) a day, according to the World Bank.
The Caribbean nation was devastated by a powerful earthquake in 2010 that killed more than 200,000 people. Then in 2016, Hurricane Michael hit, killing some 3,000 people and badly damaging the country's infrastructure. Thousands of residents were displaced.
Image copyrightREUTERS
In an address on Saturday, Prime Minister Jean-Henry Céant announced measures including a 30% reduction in government's expenses and the removal of privileges - such as allowances for petrol, and telephones and trips abroad - for government officials.
He also vowed to continue with the investigation into the alleged irregularities involving PetroCaribe funds.
Image copyrightREUTERS
Thousands have joined the demonstrations that have plunged Haiti into political crisis and paralysed everyday life in the largest towns. New protests were expected this week and Mr Céant warned of the risk of a humanitarian crisis.
"The population suffers a lot, because blocked roads can't deliver water to drink, food, gasoline. It's almost impossible to have electricity."
Image copyrightREUTERS
Since the protests broke out on 7 February, several foreign governments, including the US and Canada, have urged citizens to avoid travel to Haiti and ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel.
Hi! I am a robot. I just upvoted you! I found similar content that readers might be interested in:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-47277534
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hello @sohel8! This is a friendly reminder that you have 3000 Partiko Points unclaimed in your Partiko account!
Partiko is a fast and beautiful mobile app for Steem, and it’s the most popular Steem mobile app out there! Download Partiko using the link below and login using SteemConnect to claim your 3000 Partiko points! You can easily convert them into Steem token!
https://partiko.app/referral/partiko
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Congratulations @sohel8! You received a personal award!
You can view your badges on your Steem Board and compare to others on the Steem Ranking
Do not miss the last post from @steemitboard:
Vote for @Steemitboard as a witness to get one more award and increased upvotes!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit