The Americas

Video | “Haiti is living a moment of almost complete insurrection”

Peasant rights activist Chavannes Jean Baptiste talks about the factors behind the current people’s rebellion in Haiti

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Demonstrators during protest in Port-au-Prince on Oct. 17 demanded the resignation of president Jovenel Moïse
Demonstrators during protest in Port-au-Prince on Oct. 17 demanded the resignation of president Jovenel Moïse - Valerie Baeriswyl / AFP

Since early September, Haiti has been experiencing a complete people’s uprising against the government of Jovenel Moïse.

The latest round of protests was sparked by a fuel shortage crisis which has roots in the government’s corruption and neoliberal economic policies.

Due to the fuel shortage, people have been unable to access basic goods and services, transportation services have been suspended and some communities do not have access to water and electricity.

The economic, social and political crisis in the country which was exacerbated by the fuel crisis has driven thousands to the streets in a historic people’s rebellion.

In order to understand the context within which these mass mobilizations are taking place, Peoples Dispatch, a Brasil de Fato partner, spoke to Jean Baptiste Chavannes.

Jean Baptiste is a founding member of the Peasant Movement of Papaye and key leftist leader in Haiti.

Watch the video below:

Edited by: Peoples Dispatch