Haiti’s newly installed transitional council has chosen former sports minister Fritz Bélizaire as the country’s prime minister in an effort to establish a stable new government amidst escalating violence. Bélizaire was selected to replace interim Prime Minister Michel Patrick Boisvert, gaining support from four of the seven voting members on the nine-member panel. The council also plans to select a Cabinet as they work to address the gang violence plaguing the capital, Port-au-Prince, leading to thousands of people fleeing the city and leaving many homeless.
Earlier, the council selected former presidential candidate Edgard Leblanc Fils as the president of the panel, who expressed confidence in Bélizaire’s ability to unite the country and overcome divisions. The council has been meeting with army and police officials to address the security crisis and prioritize the well-being of the population. The choice of Bélizaire for prime minister came as a surprise, with some council members admitting they were unfamiliar with him.
Bélizaire’s appointment as prime minister is seen as an attempt to bring together different political parties and create a consensus amidst the ongoing security challenges facing Haiti. The council members supporting Bélizaire emphasized the urgency of the situation, with the population in need of immediate action to address the security issues and restore societal calm. Many ordinary Haitians expressed hope for a change with the new leadership, highlighting the importance of security and stability in their daily lives.
Despite Bélizaire’s relatively unknown status, some experts believe that his lack of a strong constituency may have made him a more acceptable choice for prime minister among different parties. The transitional council, which will act as the country’s presidency until a new election is held, is comprised of members from various political groups, creating an alliance that may face challenges in the future. Haitians are divided over the effectiveness of a transitional government in addressing the country’s problems, particularly the violence inflicted by criminal gangs.
Security remains a top priority for Haitians, who are eager to see results and improvements in their daily lives. The council is expected to support the deployment of a Kenyan police force to help fight gangs, although the timeline for this action remains uncertain. The country has been in turmoil since gang attacks in February led to widespread destruction and chaos, prompting the resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry. As the transitional council works to stabilize Haiti and prepare for future elections, the population remains hopeful for a brighter future with improved security and governance.
