P-au-P., April 26, 2024 [AlterPresse] — Several countries and international organizations welcomed the assumption of office on April 25 in Port-au-Prince of the Presidential Transitional Council, which begins a new period of political transition in Haiti, plunged into a serious multidimensional crisis, observes AlterPresse.
The heads of government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) welcome and send their compliments to the members of the body, in a note issued on April 25 and consulted by AlterPresse.
“The official installation of the nine-member Council at the National Palace marks an important achievement thanks to a process led by Haitians in the interest of Haiti.”
Caricom played the role of mediator in the negotiations which resulted in an agreement between 9 large Haitian sectors, which constitute the base of the current power.
“This is an opportunity to create a new beginning that will give all Haitians new hope for a return to constitutional government, stability and sustainable development.”
The Council faces daunting challenges, CARICOM heads of government emphasize. They reaffirm their support for efforts to put Haiti back on the path to constitutional and democratic legitimacy, stability and sovereignty and to ensure the proper functioning of state institutions.
The mandate of the Transitional Council is 22 months, until a president from the polls takes office in February 2026. This deadline cannot be extended under any circumstances.
The UN welcomes and calls on the new authorities and all stakeholders to accelerate the full implementation of the transitional governance arrangements.
During a press briefing in New York, the Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, took the opportunity to reiterate Antonio Guterres’ urgent call for the rapid deployment of the multinational security support mission in Haiti to help the Haitian National Police deal with the disastrous security situation.”
For the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), the taking of office of the Presidential Transitional Council represents a “new opportunity to move forward towards the reestablishment of democratic institutions”.
In a message on the X platform, BINUH said it remained “committed to supporting the country’s authorities in their efforts to create an environment of social peace, safe and conducive to the organization of credible, participatory and inclusive elections “.
It took several weeks of complex negotiations, marked by reversals, for the Council to see the light of day, while the capital Port-au-Prince is ravaged by gang violence and the country is facing a serious humanitarian crisis. Without a President or Parliament, Haiti has not had an election since 2016.
The swearing-in of members of the Presidential Transitional Council represents an essential step in Haiti’s return to inclusive governance, believes the United States.
“We congratulate all participants for their commitment to seeking compromise and working together to improve the lives of all Haitians,” wrote on the X platform the American Under Secretary of State for the Northern Hemisphere, Brian Nichols.
Canada also welcomes the inauguration of the Presidential Transitional Council.
“This Collegial Council of National Unity is an important step in restoring security & democracy in Haiti” writes the Canadian Ambassador to Port-au-Prince André François Giroux on his X account. Canada stands ready to support an exit crisis, he adds.
“An important step which allows the political transition process to move forward”: such is the European Union’s reading of the political events of April 25. To support this progress, the multinational security support mission should now be deployed as soon as possible, believes Peter Stano, EU chief spokesperson for foreign affairs.
France extends its congratulations to the members of the Council and promises to work with the body for its full success, according to what the French ambassador in Port-au-Prince, Fabrice Mauries, said on his Twitter account.
Taiwan, for its part, sees a significant turning point for Haiti’s political life, representing a crucial step toward the restoration of constitutional institutions.
The members of the Transition Council are: voters Smith Augustin, Louis Gérald Gilles, Fritz Alphonse Jean, Edgard Leblanc fils, Laurent St Cyr, Emmanuel Vertilaire, Leslie Voltaire, and observers Régine Abraham and Frinel Joseph.
On April 24, 2024, Ariel Henry signed his resignation as Prime Minister, in a letter addressed to the Council of Ministers and dated from Los Angeles.
Just before resigning, Ariel Henry and the ministers proceeded to the appointment by decree of Michel Patrick Boisvert to the post of interim prime minister, pending the formation of a new government, to ensure the continuity of the State.
Holder of the Ministry of the Economy, Boisvert had already played the role since the departure of Ariel Henry from Haiti in February 2024. [apr 26/042024 02 :00]
