Transition council set up to pave way for elections
Haiti’s government has issued a decree formalising the creation of a nine-member transitional presidential council, a longdelayed move intended as the first step in restoring security to the gang-ravaged Caribbean country.
The decree, however, leaves many questions unanswered.
It does not name the new council members, nor does it establish a time frame for the installation of the council and replacement for Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who one month ago pledged to step down once his successor was in place.
It suggests the unpopular and unelected Henry will initially retain oversight of proceedings, allowing the current prime minister to make the “necessary arrangements” ahead of the new appointments. Those chosen must then “participate, in agreement with the prime minister, in the formation of an inclusive ministers’ cabinet”.
It also calls on the council to help speed the deployment of international troops Henry requested in 2022 to aid police in their battles with armed and increasingly powerful gangs.
The decree was published in Haiti’s official gazette and names the nine political parties or social sectors that will be represented on the council, including two non-voting observers, confirming an announcement made last month.
The US State Department welcomed the move, saying: “This Council helps pave the way for free and fair elections and the expedited deployment of a Multinational Security Support mission.”
The transition plan was announced on March 11 as armed men mounted attacks on parts of the capital Port-au-Prince they did not already control, while Henry remained stranded outside the country.
Friday’s decree stipulates the council be headquartered in the National Palace in Port-au-Prince, which has come under fire several times in the past weeks.
After the decree was published, local media reported more gunfire in parts of Port-au-Prince, and a police union spokesperson said Pierre Fritz Chenet, an officer, was shot dead while visiting relatives on the port side of the city.
In a separate statement on Friday, the government said it invited the designated council representatives to submit documents to prove their eligibility at government offices in the capital.
The transition plan was agreed with the mediation of the Caribbean Community (Caricom). The nine groups named by Caricom have all put forward council candidates, but their nominations have yet to be formalised despite pledges that such an announcement was near.
The delayed transition has prompted critics to accuse Henry’s allies of hampering the process to keep hold of power. The government has said it is working through legal and constitutional problems “as fast as possible”.