United States congresswomen Yvette Clarke, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, and Ayanna Pressley, co-chairs of the US House of Representatives Haiti Caucus, have called for Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry to step down and relinquish power to a transitional government.
This appeal comes amidst the deepening political and humanitarian crisis gripping the Caribbean nation.
Urgent appeal for transitional leadership
In a joint statement issued from Capitol Hill, the three congresswomen emphasized the critical need for immediate action to address the mounting challenges facing Haiti.
Clarke is of Jamaican descent, while Cherfilu-McCormick is of Haitian descent, and Presley is African American.
They urged President Henry not to return to Haiti and to hand over power to a transitional consensus government without delay.
“The time has come for Prime Minister Ariel Henry to do what is right for the Haitian people. He should not return to Haiti, and he should immediately hand over power to a transitional consensus government. It is crucial that all parties in Haiti urgently put aside their differences and form a transitional government that does not include Ariel Henry, criminals, and/or associated organizations,” the statement read.
Escalating crisis
The congresswomen expressed grave concerns over the deteriorating situation in Haiti, citing alarming statistics highlighting the extent of violence and instability. With a significant portion of Port-au-Prince under the control of gangs, and a surge in murders, kidnappings, and internal displacement, they stressed that the current leadership lacks credibility and ability to lead effectively.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the congresswomen urged their colleagues in Congress, as well as the Biden-Harris Administration and the international community, to expedite funding for urgent assistance to restore security for the Haitian people.
“We urge our colleagues in Congress to join the Biden-Harris Administration and the international community in funding urgent assistance to restore security for the Haitian people. Every day we wait for this critical funding, more Haitians will die. The clock is ticking,” they said.
Advocacy group calls for CARICOM intervention
Meanwhile, as leaders convene in Jamaica to address the crisis in Haiti, the advocacy group Freedom Imaginaries is calling for a rights-based regional approach for the protection of Haitian migrants and refugees.
Regional response needed
In an open letter to the chairman of CARICOM, Dr. Irfaan Ali, Freedom Imaginaries expressed deep concern about the mistreatment faced by Haitian refugees in Caribbean countries.
CARICOM meeting highlights concerns
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness highlighted the gravity of the situation in Haiti, underscoring the significance of the high-level meeting taking place in Kingston today.
The meeting is the latest in a series of facilitation efforts by CARICOM to advance political dialogue and consensus in Haiti.
Jamaica’s pivotal role in CARICOM’s response to the crisis, including advocating for greater international support for the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti, underscores the region’s commitment to finding a sustainable solution to the challenges facing its neighbor.
