Haitian Presidential Council: Talks continue with stakeholders; PM Henry cooperating – Pres Ali

…says Haiti’s developmental, humanitarian needs also being discussed

Announcing that Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry is still committed to resigning once a Presidential Council is put in place for the transition, Caribbean Community (Caricom) Chairman President Dr. Irfaan Ali has revealed that the region is still working with Haitian stakeholders on this matter.
President Ali gave an update on the progress being made from the continuous meetings being conducted, during an interview on the sidelines of an event on Tuesday. The President noted that the region is cognizant of the pressing need for action on Haiti to ensure normalcy can be returned.
“It is important for us to understand that while we await the deployment of (the troops), that there is immediate need for bridging security. And this is what we’re talking with key stakeholders and partners about. About how we can work on bridging security, as we move towards ensuring that the council comes into place.”
The president noted that discussions about the Presidential Council were held up to Monday evening and that stakeholders have been identifying persons for the council. Further, he said that discussions will continue today (Tuesday), ensuring that all the stakeholders are involved, and that talks are not limited to the Presidential Council.
“It’s not only about the council. Its also ensuring the security aspect is kept alive. The developmental needs. Humanitarian needs. So, its bringing a multi-faceted aspect under constant update.”
Asked for a definitive timeline for how soon troops could be deployed into Haiti, President Ali noted that “I wish I could tell you tomorrow. But of course, we’re working with stakeholders. We’ll have to get past the council. And we’re hoping that the resources to support the security presence would be forthcoming. Because that is key. The budget must be there.”
Previously embattled Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry had announced he would be resigning, amid mounting pressure from a spiraling security breakdown and concerted efforts from Caricom, with the assistance of the international community, to broker a way forward.
His resignation had come in the wake of several agreements between CARICOM Heads and Haitian stakeholders, including for the establishment of this council that would select a new interim Prime Minister. According to President Ali, Henry is cooperating. And while he made it clear that he remains concerned about the overall situation in Haiti, he was also optimistic that further clarity with the stakeholders in Haiti will be forthcoming in the next 24 hours.
“Well, he’s not changed any position. Prime Minister Henry was very open in the statement he made. And he has not (changed his tune). That was what was proposed. That once the council comes into place, the Prime Minister’s (resignation) comes into play,” President Ali said.
“I remain very concerned for the people of Haiti. And Caricom remains very committed. But very cautious in our approach. But at the same time, we believe that the postponement and delay in finalizing decisions cannot add value to the process. That is why time is so important in the circumstances.”
Haiti has been engulfed in turmoil since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. Since then, the streets have been overrun by gangs, and there has been a continuous cycle of violence.
That violence flared even more when, in February, criminal gangs in the capital Port-au-Prince conducted coordinated attacks targeting Police Stations, prisons, critical infrastructure, and civilian sites in the city.
On March 2, armed gang members raided two penitentiaries, reportedly freeing some 3800 inmates, after which Haitian authorities announced a three-day State of Emergency and imposed a nighttime curfew. (G3)