The leader of the "Pitit Desalin" party (center), Moise Jean Charles, rides a horse as Haitian protesters march through the streets on Sunday in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Photo: AFP

Thousands of Haitians protested Sunday in Port-au-Prince and several provincial towns against a spike in kidnappings by gangs, as well as accusing the president of establishing absolute rule.

Earlier Sunday in the capital city, a 63-year-old pediatrician was murdered in front of his clinic by unidentified assailants who had sought to abduct him, neighboring residents told local media.

"We have a president that we no longer recognize because his term is over. Look at how a doctor was killed: Is it possible to live in a country like this?" asked protester Moise Gueslin.

In recent months, Haiti has seen an upsurge in kidnappings for ransom that have affected both the richest inhabitants and those living below the poverty level.

Additionally, President Jovenel Moise has been ruling by decree for a year because there currently is no parliament, and only a third of its senators are in office. Legislative elections due in 2018 were delayed.

Moise maintains that his term lasts until February 2022 - but the opposition argues it should have ended three weeks ago.

AFP