Haiti’s political crisis reached a new pitch in late February 2019 as opposition politicians and civil society groups dramatically escalated their demands for President Jovenel Moïse to step down. Leaders of the LAPEH opposition coalition and other groups held a joint press conference in Port-au-Prince, calling for the formation of a transitional consensus government to steer the country toward fresh elections.
The opposition cited the PetroCaribe corruption scandal, the rising cost of living, fuel shortages, and what they described as a government incapable of meeting the basic needs of the Haitian people. They accused Moïse of clinging to power while the country descended into chaos.
President Moïse refused to resign, arguing that he had been democratically elected and had a mandate to govern until 2022. His office released a statement calling the opposition’s demands unconstitutional and accusing protest organizers of attempting to destabilize the country for personal and political gain.
The standoff paralyzed government functions and kept businesses shuttered across the capital. International observers, including the United States Embassy in Port-au-Prince, called on all sides to pursue dialogue and avoid violence.