Chavannes Jean Baptiste talks about the factors behind the current people’s rebellion in Haiti and the different proposals on the way forward

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 which has inspired people across the region and the world.

In order to understand the context within which these mass mobilizations are taking place, we spoke to Chavannes Jean Baptiste. Jean Baptiste is a founding member of the Peasant Movement of Papaye and key leftist leader in Haiti.