Wednesday, January 1 on the Place d'Arme of the City of Independence, in the presence of political leaders of the radical opposition including senators Youri Latortue and Ricard Pierre, family members, friends and relatives of the deceased, have been sung the funeral of political activist Mécène Cénoble (35 years old) who was shot dead on December 21, Raboteau was celebrated.

After the ceremony, there was great tension in the city when the Haitian National Police (PNH) attempted to remove barricades blocking certain streets in the city and an unauthorized anti-government demonstration was formed. Automatic weapon fire was heard in several locations in Gonaïves.

The PNH used tear gas to disperse the demonstrators and restore public order. Unidentified armed individuals responded, according to witnesses, by shooting at the police, causing panic in the population.

TB/ HaitiLibre