The Presidential Council of Haiti has officially been established to restore constitutional order after the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. This transition process began on Friday, with a decree by the Council, made up of nine members, being published in the official newspaper ‘Le Moniteur’. The Council now faces the difficult task of electing a new prime minister, as reported by ‘Gazette Haiti’.
The establishment of this broad-based and politically inclusive body is seen as a sign that Haiti can begin anew. Caribbean Community (Caricom) expressed its commitment to supporting the country during this period and putting it back on the path to stability, dignity and democratic legitimacy. The UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) also reaffirmed its support for Haiti’s institutions in their efforts to restore democratic institutions.
Last week, the Presidential Council announced a political agreement among its members after facing challenges and exits. This came after Haiti declared a state of emergency due to widespread violence, particularly in Port-au-Prince. Gangs have been dominating the area since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021. The acting prime minister resigned under pressure from various sectors, leading to the establishment of the Presidential Council.
The UN Human Rights Office had previously warned about a dire situation in Haiti due to corruption, impunity and poor governance exacerbating the country’s rule of law. They documented a significant increase in victims of gang violence reaching 4,451 dead and 1,668 injured. The UN emphasized that critical support is needed for Haiti to address these challenges and restore stability and democratic governance to
