The crisis in Haiti has definitely deteriorated after the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who came to power after the assassination of then-President Jovenel Moise in 2021 and was unable to return to the country amidst the threats of Haiti gangs. According to multiple sources including the BBC and CNN, gang violence continues in many areas including the capital city, Port-au-Prince, leading to dozens of deaths. Given that the power vacuum resulted from the resignation of the prime minister — one of the demands of the more than 300 armed gangs led by Jimmy Chérizier — is not quickly addressed, further deterioration with unprecedented chaos in Haiti, along with possible impacts in neighboring countries, will not be surprising in the coming days.
The positive side is that there is now a proposal, announced by the CARICOM, to set up an Interim Presidential Council (consisting of seven voting members and two non-voting observers) that may establish law and order in Haiti, which has been in gang violence for decades that caused the death and displacement of many. But the gangs have so far refused to recognize the proposal, leading to concerns. Given that the establishment of an interim council takes time, the possibility of the restoration of law and order will remain low that will not only hinder political transition but also lead to chaos in Haiti in the days ahead. Notably, schools, hospitals and universities are under attack, terror continues on the streets, clashes between police and gangs are occurring, people are afraid and there are limited or no basic services presently.
It is desired that an Interim Presidential Council be established in Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere where corruption has become commonplace and which has been experiencing political unrest and economic instability for two decades. But negotiations to implement the 11th March Jamaica Deal’s provisions have lagged. Additionally, and importantly, the lack of support from different groups involved in the present crisis may put challenges. While the leader of the G9 Alliance has refused to recognize it, another group known as the Platfòm Pitit Desalin (PPT) — led by former senator Jean-Charles Moïse — has declined to participate in the Interim Presidential Council, making its establishment somewhat difficult.
It is definitely desired that steps be taken to address the challenges to establishing an Interim Presidential Council and mitigate spiraling gang conflicts in Haiti. The participation of different parties including the PPT will make the council stronger and help address challenges including gang violence. Strengthened international negotiations including the negotiations of the regional bloc CARICOM with the parties involved including Jimmy Chérizier-led gangs and the PPT may be helpful in establishing an Interim Presidential Council and addressing the political crisis in Haiti. But the good intentions of all the parties involved are also crucial for addressing concerns and reaching peace.
The Interim Presidential Council, no matter whether it is established as is currently proposed or with changes based on negotiations with the parties involved in the political crisis, needs to emphatically look at improving the law and order situation and bringing political stability by holding elections at the soonest possible time in Haiti. Additionally, it is crucial to address humanitarian conditions driven by the gang violence for several months. International cooperation will also be vital for Haiti to lead a peaceful transition of power — along with addressing the gang crisis.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
