Haiti police bolster security around palace ahead of transition

24/4/2024 11:52

        Haitian police deployed tear gas to move people back from a security perimeter around the National Palace while soldiers gripping rifles patrolled the international airport's diplomatic entrance on Tuesday, ahead of a planned change of government.
        
        The palace has come under repeated fire from gangs that have paralyzed the capital Port-au-Prince. A nine-member presidential transition council is to be sworn in at the palace, and although no date has been announced, rumors circulated that it could happen this week.
        
        The council is expected to name an interim prime minister and help set up a government that will eventually organize elections in the Caribbean island nation.
        "Whether or not you're installed, this message is for you: Brace yourselves," gang leader Jimmy "Barbeque" Cherizier ominously warned in a Tuesday video shared on social media.
        
        Cherizier has called for toppling the government.
        
        The U.S. military said on Tuesday it bolstered defenses at its embassy.