Haiti: between gang violence and the quest for political stability, the challenge of the Presidential Transitional Council installed this Thursday, April 25, 2024
In the tumult of a nation torn apart by gang violence, endemic political instability, inflation and the tragedy of internally displaced persons, Haiti is turning to a new formula to guide its uncertain future: the Presidential Council, installed this Thursday April 25, 2024 at the national palace.
While several streets of the metropolitan region of Port-au-Prince still resonate with the echoes of automatic weapons fire and cries of despair, the new Presidential Council established by the international community and Haitian actors stands like a beacon of hope in the midst of the storm.
Made up of public figures from Haitian society including Edgar Leblanc Fils, Louis Gérald Gilles, Lesly Voltaire among other things, he is responsible for contributing to the search for solutions to the country’s most pressing challenges, including security and the organization of elections.
However, the task of this Presidential Council is monumental. Armed gangs grouped together under the hat “Live Together”, exercise almost total control over several areas of the metropolitan region of Port-au-Prince, defy state authority and terrorize the population. Clashes between gangs and law enforcement officers have transformed parts of the country into urban war zones, where daily life is synonymous with fear and constant danger.
Chronic political instability has only worsened the crisis. Power struggles and partisan feuding have paralyzed government institutions, undermining the Haitian people’s confidence in their leaders. “Nothing will change. Since I was little, I have often noticed the change of president while the misery of the Haitian people always remains the same”declared a 28-year-old who does not have too much hope regarding the establishment of this new presidential council.
Meanwhile, the internally displaced person crisis is worsening. Thousands of families have been forced to flee their homes because of armed gangs who sow terror in neighborhoods, seeking refuge in overcrowded and unsanitary camps, where living conditions are often desperate. Deprived of security, adequate food and access to health care, these internally displaced people face an uncertain future, in a country where prospects for improvement seem distant.
“I left my house in Carrefour-Feuilles with my two children. I have nowhere to go. I resigned myself to settling in this national school. The worst part of all this, I have no money to pay for the Port-au-Prince/Jacmel trip to go with my two children to my provincial town”explained sadly a mother.
Amid these overwhelming challenges, some believe this new presidential council may provide relief.
“I am not used to trusting the government, but my intuition tells me that this Presidential Council, with the support of the international community, can change the situation. I don’t know how, but I have confidence”said a 38-year-old man.
However, the path to stability and prosperity remains arduous. The Presidential Council faces considerable obstacles, both politically and security-wise. Only time will tell if he will be able to turn hopes into reality for the Haitian people.
Remember that the Presidential Council is made up of nine members. Seven with voting rights and the other two representing civil society and the religious sector as observers are without voting rights.
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