Haiti has established a Presidential Transitional Council to address a leadership vacuum in the country. Prime Minister Ariel Henry had announced his resignation due to increasing violence by armed gangs in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. The formation of the council was announced in an official decree published in the gazette, but details such as the council members and timeframe for selecting a new prime minister and cabinet remain unclear. The council’s mission is to restore order in Haiti, ensure democratic legitimacy, stability, and sovereignty, and expedite the deployment of international troops to aid local police in combating gang violence.
Despite the establishment of the council, the political crisis in Haiti is far from resolved, according to journalist Kim Ives. He described the political class as fractured, and viewed the formation of the council as a solution concocted in Washington, DC. Many see those participating in the council as traitors to Haiti, as it is perceived as not being a Haitian solution. Haiti has been without a president since the assassination of Jovenel Moise in 2021, and has not held elections since 2016. The violence in the country has led to the release of thousands of inmates and the displacement of tens of thousands of people.
The escalating violence in Haiti has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis, with nearly one million people on the brink of famine and key ports remaining closed. International governments, including the United States and European Union members, have evacuated their diplomats and nationals due to worsening security conditions. The outgoing government is absent and unable to address the needs of the population, further exacerbating the crisis. The lack of leadership and ongoing gang violence have left Haitians struggling to access basic necessities and protection.
The Transitional Council is expected to govern the country temporarily until a new prime minister and cabinet are selected to replace Henry. The council will be based in the National Palace in Port-au-Prince, which has been targeted by armed attacks in recent weeks. The council’s establishment has been welcomed by the US Department of State, as it paves the way for free and fair elections in Haiti and facilitates the deployment of a multinational force to assist in restoring order. However, the effectiveness of the council and its ability to address the complex political and security challenges facing Haiti remain uncertain.
The situation in Haiti highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive solution to the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in the country. The formation of the Presidential Transitional Council is a step towards addressing the leadership vacuum and restoring stability in Haiti, but challenges remain in terms of governance, security, and humanitarian assistance. International support and cooperation will be crucial in supporting Haiti through this difficult period and in paving the way for a more stable and secure future for the country and its people.
