Haiti bicentennial celebrations end in violence
A celebration marking the 200th anniversary of Haiti’s independence from France ended in violent clashes between police and protesters.
The demonstrations across the country, underscored the growing unrest under President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
More than 15,000 Aristide supporters rallied outside the National Palace as the president clasped hands with guests including South African President Thabo Mbeki and American actor Danny Glover.
The surge of support came as more than 5,000 government opponents massed in the capital’s streets and faced police lines.
Police fired tear gas and warning shots as crowds ran for cover, coughing from clouds of the stinging gas. Some demonstrators fell to the ground in protest, shouting: “Freedom!” At least two protesters were wounded by bullets and six were hit by rocks.
Protesters burned tyre barricades in the streets and the crackle of gunfire was heard in Port-au-Prince as darkness descended. Demonstrations also were held in a few provincial towns.
Tensions have increased in Haiti since Aristide’s Lavalas Family party won legislative elections in 2000 that some observers said were flawed.
The contested seats were eventually vacated by senators, but the opposition has refused to participate in new elections unless security is improved and Aristide steps down. Since mid-September, violent anti-government protests have killed at least 41.
Aristide has refused to cave in to opposition demands but faces fading support. Defying threats of violence yesterday, he spoke in the capital and then headed to Gonaives where the declaration of independence was signed on January 1, 1804.
“The time has come … to demand respect for the constitution, respect for everybody without distinction,” Aristide told about 2,000 supporters in Gonaives’ central square.
The bicentennial was a bittersweet remembrance for a country that triumphed over slavery and colonialism two centuries ago only to become the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, struggling to neutralise nagging political and economic troubles.
