Port-Au-Prince, Oct 17 (AP/UNB) — Haiti's embattled president has been forced to hold a private ceremony amid heavy security for what is usually a public celebration of one of the country's founding fathers.
Jovenel Moïse and other officials appeared Thursday at the National Pantheon Museum in downtown Port-au-Prince. Hundreds of armed police officers closed down the surrounding area as protesters demanding his resignation began to gather nearby.
Moïse did not speak and left after the brief ceremony to commemorate the death of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, whose rule ended in 1806 following a military revolt. Protesters had prevented Moïse from visiting the site where the ceremony is usually held.
Anger over corruption, inflation and scarcity of basic goods has led to large protests that began five weeks ago and have shuttered many businesses and schools.