PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) - Anti-government protests in Haiti are waning, with schools and businesses trying to re-open in the face of political gridlock and heightened violence in the Western Hemisphere's poorest country.

Demonstrations began in September against President Jovenel Moise over allegations of corruption and mismanagement, paralyzing the Caribbean island nation of 11 million. Protesters have barricaded roads and the electrical grid has broken down, plunging much of the island into darkness. Gangs have profited from the chaos to expand their territory.