Shortly after the Haitian government published its highly anticipated fuel price increases on Friday, a slew of violent protests began to erupt in and around the capital city of Port-au-Prince.
Less than 24 hours after the new fuel prices were enacted, the country quickly spiraled into full-blown crisis mode.
Mass protests and deadly roadblocks brought the small Caribbean nation to a near standstill.
Many people stayed put in both their homes or place of business for safety.
Countless roads throughout the capital, and some leading to major national highways, became dangerously impassable with burning tires and makeshift barricades.
The crisis made international headlines after several major U.S. airlines canceled all scheduled flights to and from Haiti.
Protesters also constructed several blockades of burning tires and debris to obstruct the main road leading into Toussaint Louverture International Airport, Haiti’s most significant and busiest airport.
By Saturday afternoon, tensions on the ground had escalated so much, that the government promptly issued a temporary suspension on its decision to raise the price of gas, and other popular petroleum products.
In a nationally televised address on Saturday evening, President Jovenel Moise confirmed the government’s earlier action to temporarily suspend the new fuel price increases and urged people to return to their homes.
In the aftermath of this weekend’s traumatic events, the significant loss to public and private property was undeniably apparent.
Several hotels, supermarkets, and commercial businesses were severely damaged. Many vehicles were also vandalized and burned.
Although no official count has been released on the number of injuries sustained due to this weekend’s unrest, several deaths have already been reported.
As most Haitians try to regain some sense of normalcy, the government will need to quickly figure out a plan to address the devastating economic losses incurred due to this past weekend’s civil unrest.