Haiti is facing a political and security crisis, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. The transitional council has been installed to lead the country, with Economy Minister Michel Patrick Boisvert named as interim prime minister until a new government is appointed. The council’s main tasks include setting the agenda for a new cabinet, appointing a provisional electoral commission, and establishing a national security council to address the country’s widespread insecurity. Gang violence has been a major issue in Haiti, with attacks increasing in frequency and severity in recent years.
The nine-member transitional council, which includes seven voting members, is expected to help guide Haiti towards stability and pave the way for elections planned for 2026. However, there are concerns about the exclusion of gang leaders from the transitional negotiations and how they will react to the new council’s authority. The international community has called on the council to prioritize addressing the insecurity issues plaguing Haiti, especially in the capital city of Port-au-Prince, where gang violence has led to widespread displacement and hunger among the population.
Ariel Henry was not directly elected as prime minister but was appointed by former President Jovenel Moise shortly before Moise’s assassination in 2021. With the backing of the US and other Western countries, Henry came to power in a country plagued by corruption, economic instability, and ongoing gang violence. Many Haitians are skeptical of foreign intervention in their country’s affairs, fearing it will only exacerbate the chaos. Human rights advocates have raised concerns about the ability of the Haitian national police to effectively address the violence, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve security and stability.
The situation in Haiti remains precarious, with the transitional council facing the daunting task of navigating the country through a period of uncertainty and turmoil. While the international community has urged the council to prioritize security issues, the challenges facing Haiti are complex and multifaceted, requiring a coordinated and comprehensive approach to address the root causes of instability. The future of Haiti remains uncertain, but with concerted efforts from the transitional council, civil society, and the international community, there is hope that the country can overcome its current challenges and transition towards a more peaceful and prosperous future.
