Haiti’s Transitional Council talks Despite Capital Gang Violence

Progress is being made in discussions regarding the establishment of a transitional council in Haiti, while the United States continues to evacuate its citizens from the capital city, which is currently plagued by rampant gang violence.
Haiti has experienced a wave of unrest since February, triggered by armed groups storming a prison and freeing numerous inmates while demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
Recently, Henry agreed to step down and facilitate the establishment of an interim government. However, the negotiations have been progressing slowly, despite the pressure exerted by neighboring Caribbean countries and the United States.
According to Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Guyana’s ambassador to the UN, discussions are ongoing, and although it may take some time, there are positive signs of progress.
Meanwhile, a source within the Haitian government informed AFP that the names for the council have not yet been provided to the outgoing prime minister, Henry, as the talks among political parties and other stakeholders continue to drag on.
President Jovenel Moise, who appointed Henry, was assassinated in 2021 and has not been replaced. The council will designate an interim prime minister to supervise the country’s upcoming elections, the first since 2016.
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‘Haiti’s capital Devastated by Gang Violence’
For several weeks, armed groups have taken control of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, resulting in numerous attacks on police stations, power stations, public buildings, and facilities. The streets are now filled with lifeless bodies.
According to residents, intense clashes and gunfire erupted in the Petion-Ville suburb of the capital on Tuesday and Wednesday. Locals have resorted to barricading roads to protect themselves and prevent gang infiltration.
“I am devastated,” expressed Gerard Vil, a street vendor in the capital, to AFP. “I used to sell my goods in the center of Port-au-Prince. However, due to the escalating insecurity, it is no longer possible.”
The government announced an extension of the nighttime curfew in the Ouest department, which includes the capital, until Saturday. The curfew was initially set to end on Wednesday.
This violence has worsened an already dire humanitarian situation, with concerns of famine, malnutrition, and the collapse of essential services.
The World Food Programme reported that roadblocks in the capital have hindered their efforts to distribute food.
“We will make every effort to assist, but we require security and access,” stated Jean-Martin Bauer, the WFP’s representative in Haiti.
In a separate incident, a police officer from the prime minister’s office security detail was fatally shot on Wednesday, as confirmed by the police union.
The United States continues to evacuate its citizens, transporting them by helicopter from Port-au-Prince to the neighboring Dominican Republic.
“We anticipate multiple helicopter trips to evacuate as many American citizens as possible,” stated State Department spokesman Vedant Patel during a press briefing.
Furthermore, a rescue flight organized by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis transported 14 Americans from Haiti to the southern US state on Wednesday evening.
DeSantis mentioned that this would likely be the first of many flights for US citizens, as reported by local media.
In the midst of the coordinated attacks by gangs in Haiti, Prime Minister Henry has found himself stranded in Puerto Rico. He had been in Kenya, working on a plan for Nairobi to lead a UN-approved police force to restore order in Haiti. However, due to the ongoing violence, he has been unable to return.
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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called upon the various stakeholders in Haiti to set aside their differences and come together in support of the transitional council’s plan. It is crucial for the nation to unite during this challenging time.
The UN’s humanitarian agency, OCHA, has reported that essential supplies such as medicine, blood bags, and other resources have been airlifted into Haiti. The violence has severely impacted health facilities, making these supplies even more critical.
Additionally, the UN’s refugee agency has issued a statement emphasizing the need to protect Haitian migrants. They have urged countries not to forcibly return individuals to Haiti, especially those whose asylum claims have been rejected. It is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of these vulnerable individuals.
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While there hasn’t been a significant mass exodus from Haiti, the United States has turned away at least one boat of migrants. They have warned that those attempting to enter the country by sea will face immediate repatriation. This highlights the challenges faced by migrants seeking refuge amidst the ongoing Haiti’s capital gang violence.
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