Haiti establishes transitional presidential council amid lingering uncertainty, street fights continue
mz/mw
13.04.2024, 19:51
In a long-delayed move aimed at addressing the ongoing security crisis in Haiti, the government has officially announced the formation of a nine-member transitional presidential council. This decision comes after prolonged delays, signaling the initial step towards stabilizing the violence-plagued Caribbean nation.
However, the decree unveiling the council raises even more questions. Notably, it does not disclose the identities of the council members nor does it provide a clear timeline for their appointment and the subsequent replacement of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
Despite Henry’s earlier commitment to step down once his successor is in place, the decree allows him to retain oversight initially, granting him authority to make “necessary arrangements” before the new appointments.
The document also tasks the council with expediting the deployment of international troops, a request made by Henry in 2022 to assist the police in fighting the increasingly powerful armed gangs.
The urgency of this matter is underscored by the mass exodus of nearly 95,000 people from the capital city of Port-au-Prince over the past month due to escalating gang violence. Furthermore, the closure of key ports has led to shortages of essential goods, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Published in Haiti’s official gazette, the decree outlines the representation of nine political parties or social sectors on the council, including two non-voting observers, in line with a previous announcement made in March.
However, the practical implementation of this transitional plan faces challenges, particularly as armed groups continue to assert control over parts of Port-au-Prince, where the council is to be headquartered at the National Palace.
Very difficult transition
Following the publication of the decree, reports of renewed gunfire have emerged in parts of Port-au-Prince. The violence claimed the life of Officer Pierre Fritz Chenet, who was fatally shot while visiting relatives in the port area of the city, according to a police union spokesperson.
In a separate statement, the government invited designated council representatives to provide documentation verifying their eligibility at government offices in the capital.
The transition plan, mediated by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), involves nine groups designated by CARICOM a month ago. These groups, as named in Friday’s decree, have each nominated candidates for the council. However, formalizing these nominations has faced delays, despite assurances of imminent announcements.
Camille LeBlanc, a lawyer and former justice minister, expressed skepticism about the swift installation of the council, citing potential challenges in processing legal documents. While acknowledging doubts about the council’s effectiveness, LeBlanc supported its role in breaking the current deadlock and addressing urgent issues such as reopening ports and ensuring food supplies in a country grappling with severe hunger.
However, Port-au-Prince lawyer Camille Fievre criticized the lack of a specified timeframe for appointing a prime minister, describing it as “utopian.”
“Perhaps a time frame ought to have been determined. In the meantime, Mr. Ariel Henry remains prime minister,” Fievre said.
“As it stands there is no guarantee the members already chosen will be retained, as no verifications have been carried out in this respect,” she added.
Critics have accused Henry’s allies of obstructing the transition process to maintain power. The government, meanwhile, asserts its commitment to resolving legal and constitutional challenges swiftly.
CARICOM welcomed Friday's decree, emphasizing the urgent need for new leaders to address the security crisis, enabling the reopening of schools and businesses, and ensuring unrestricted movement and access to essential supplies for the population.
