Despite demands this week from street protesters in Haiti that the U.S. government to stay out of the nation’s affairs, the Trump administration announced Friday it was stepping in with fresh aid requested by the Caribbean nation’s embattled President Jovenel Moïse—the main target of the uprising’s anger.
The Haitian government’s request for the aid was confirmed by Moïse in an interview with Radio Metropole on Monday.
“We are in a difficult time,” said Moïse.
But the protests seem unlikely to stop any time soon. Andre Michel, leader of the Popular and Democratic Sector opposition coalition, said October 23 that demonstrations and unrest would continue until there was a political shift.
“There will be a real political battle,” said Michel, adding, “The whole country will rise.”
Michel’s promise appeared to be borne out Wednesday as doctors and medical professionals were the latest professional group to join the countrywide demonstrations and call for self-determination.
“We are demanding the international community step back,” said one doctor. “We are strong people. We can take care of ourselves.”
Protests against Moïse exploded in October after over a year of unrest aimed at the country’s corruption, economic instability, and the Haitian president’s perceived kowtowing to western imperial powers—especially the U.S. Among the complaints from demonstrators was Moïse’s decision in January to join the U.S. and other members of the Organization of American States in a vote condemning Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
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