A plan to establish a transitional presidential council in Haiti is progressing as a majority of Haitian parties and coalitions have submitted nominations for individuals tasked with spearheading the search for new leadership, Caribbean officials revealed on Thursday.
The list of nominees has been forwarded to the regional trade bloc CARICOM, which is playing a central role in guiding the transition process.
“It is all up now to the Haitians as they are the ones who want a Haitian-led solution,” Surinamese Foreign Minister Albert Ramdin told The Associated Press. “It is for them to pick up the ball and run with it, being responsible for their own destiny.”
Ramdin’s remarks follow a public dispute among Haitian politicians and influential figures over the proposed plan and the selection of candidates, raising concerns about the formation of the council.
Caribbean leaders had initially announced intentions to establish the council following a closed-door meeting in Jamaica on Monday, attended by officials such as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Prime Minister Ariel Henry subsequently committed to resigning once the council is established.
The primary task of the council will be to appoint an interim prime minister and a council of ministers, and to facilitate the organization of general elections, which have not been held for nearly a decade.
“We hope this is a breakthrough for Haiti,” Ramdin said.
While the names of the nominees have not been disclosed, a senior Caribbean official, speaking anonymously to the AP, indicated that the December 21 Agreement group, supporting the current prime minister, has not put forward a candidate.
Furthermore, Jean-Charles Moïse, leader of the Petit Desalin party and an ally of former rebel leader Guy Philippe, announced his party’s refusal to participate in the council, despite being offered a voting position.
Other entities granted positions on the council include EDE/RED, led by former Prime Minister Claude Joseph; the Montana Accord, comprising civil society leaders, political parties, and others; Fanmi Lavalas, the party of former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide; the January 30 Collective, representing parties including that of former President Michel Martelly; and the private sector.
Two non-voting positions remain, one designated for a representative of Haiti’s civil society and the other for its religious sector.
The fate of the position declined by Moïse and his party is currently uncertain.
Crisis not over yet
The push to establish the council coincides with escalating gang violence in Haiti’s capital and other regions, with powerful gangs controlling approximately 80% of Port-au-Prince. On February 29, gunmen carried out a series of attacks on key state institutions, resulting in numerous casualties and the release of over 4,000 inmates from Haiti’s largest prisons.
Although the violence has somewhat diminished, a fire was reported at the National Penitentiary in downtown Port-au-Prince on Thursday, with details regarding casualties or the cause of the blaze yet to be confirmed.
Given the volatile security situation, some of the United Nations’ international staff in Haiti are being relocated to the neighboring Dominican Republic to work remotely, while others necessary for addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis will remain in Haiti.
An air bridge between Haiti and the Dominican Republic is being established to facilitate the transportation of supplies and staff, although it is not yet operational.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Henry, who was in Kenya seeking UN-backed support for a police deployment, remains in Puerto Rico unable to return home.
In Port-au-Prince and beyond, schools, gas stations, and airports remain closed, although public transportation has resumed, and there is a noticeable increase in the number of people on the streets.
Associated Press contributed reporting.
