President Aristide’s government in Haiti has accused its opponents of plotting a coup after opposition groups seized several cites in recent days. Haiti’s fourth largest city Gonaives has been under control of opponents of Aristide since Thursday. A group of former supporters of Aristide called the Gonaives Resistance Front claimed control of the city. According to the Los Angeles Times, the group took control of the city’s police station, freed 100 prisoners from jail and torched the mayor’s home. At least 11 people, mostly police officers have died in the city since Thursday. Opposition groups have also taken control of at least six other cities and towns in recent days including the port city of St. Marc. Prime Minister Yvon Neptune said “This violence is connected to a coup attempt.” Meanwhile in Port-au-Prince, tens of thousands of government supporters rallied on Saturday to mark the third anniversary of Aristide’s second inauguration as president. At least 69 Haitians have died in political violence since September.
Haitian Opposition Groups Seize Six Cities
HeadlineFeb 09, 2004