Haiti’s transitional council has appointed former Sports Minister Fritz Belizaire as the country’s new prime minister to address the escalating gang violence that has plagued Port-au-Prince, resulting in the displacement of over 90,000 people in just one month. The nine-member council, seven of whom have voting rights, selected Belizaire to replace the former interim prime minister, Michel Patrick Boisvert, in an attempt to establish a stable new government amidst the ongoing violence. Belizaire had the support of four of the council’s voting members, despite being relatively unknown to some members of the council.
The announcement of Belizaire as prime minister came as a surprise during the council’s proceedings. The council had previously chosen Edgard Leblanc Fils, a former presidential candidate, as its president, with Fils expressing optimism about the council’s negotiation capabilities. Following the announcement, the council went into closed-door discussions to determine the composition of the new Cabinet, with expectations that selections would not be announced on the same day. The transitional council is serving as the country’s presidency and is tasked with organizing presidential elections prior to its disbandment by February 2026.
Amidst rising violence and security concerns, Haitians are divided over the effectiveness of a transitional government in addressing the country’s challenges. Gang violence has wreaked havoc in Port-au-Prince and beyond, with attacks on police stations, the international airport, prisons, and the seaport, leading to widespread insecurity and displacement of thousands of people. The council is exploring options to enhance security, including the potential deployment of a Kenyan police force backed by the United Nations to combat gangs, although the timeline for this intervention remains uncertain.
Former Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who was on an official trip to Kenya when the gang attacks began, has been unable to return to Haiti and has submitted his resignation. The urgency for security measures in Haiti is palpable, with residents expressing impatience and a desire to see tangible results. The council’s selection of Belizaire as prime minister underscores the need for immediate action to address the unfolding crisis and establish stability in the country. As the council navigates the complexity of the situation, it faces the monumental task of restoring security, rebuilding communities, and paving the way for a successful transition to a democratically elected government.
Haiti’s transitional council is under pressure to navigate the country through a challenging period marked by escalating violence, displacement, and uncertainty. Belizaire’s appointment as prime minister reflects the council’s continued efforts to address the pressing security concerns and establish a framework for a future government. With the support of key council members and ongoing deliberations regarding the composition of the Cabinet, the council is striving to demonstrate its capacity for negotiation and decision-making in the face of extraordinary circumstances. The upcoming presidential elections will be a critical milestone in Haiti’s transition, and the council’s actions in the interim period will shape the country’s path towards stability and security.
