In a significant development amid Haiti’s ongoing political turmoil, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced his support for the establishment of a transitional council tasked with steering the nation toward stability and democratic governance.
Welcoming the transitional presidential council
In a statement released on Saturday through his spokesperson, the UN Secretary-General hailed the formal establishment of the Transitional Presidential Council in Haiti.
The Transitional Presidential Counci’s primary mandate is to facilitate the selection of new political leadership and oversee the organization of crucial elections in the troubled Caribbean nation.
Urging continued progress
Guterres urged all Haitian stakeholders to maintain momentum in implementing transitional governance mechanisms.
This includes the timely appointment of an interim Prime Minister and government, as well as the nomination of members to the Provisional Electoral Council.
Emphasizing key responsibilities
Highlighting the responsibilities of the Transitional Presidential Council, the statement emphasized the importance of collaboration with the international community to expedite the deployment of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, authorized by the UN Security Council last year.
Call for international support
Reiterating his call to all UN Member States, Guterres emphasized the necessity for contributions to the MSS mission to bolster security efforts in Haiti during this critical transitional phase.
Political accord reached
The announcement comes in the wake of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) in Haiti finalizing a comprehensive political agreement.
This accord, endorsed by various political, economic, and civil society sectors within the council, delineates a shared vision for Haiti’s transition period.
Strengthening stability amidst chaos
Against a backdrop of escalating violence orchestrated by powerful and well-armed gangs since February, including attacks on police stations, prisons, and vital infrastructure, the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry in March underscored the urgency of political resolution.
Humanitarian aid amidst turmoil
Despite the prevailing security challenges, UN humanitarian efforts persist in providing essential aid to affected communities.
Most recently, the World Food Programme (WFP) distributed 19,000 meals to displaced civilians in Port-au-Prince, alongside providing school lunches to 200,000 children in other provinces, offering a semblance of stability amidst the chaos.
