A new transitional ruling council has been finalized in Haiti in an effort to bring political stability to a country plagued by escalating gang violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis. The council’s formation was announced in an official state-run bulletin after gangs prevented Prime Minister Ariel Henry from returning to the country and ultimately pushed him to resign.
The council, tasked with restoring law and order, will appoint an acting prime minister to lead a new government and pave the way for the election of a new president. The coalition of armed gangs has had control of much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, since launching an offensive in late February, causing destruction and chaos.
The establishment of the council was agreed upon in Jamaica last month by a regional Caribbean Community bloc, CARICOM, along with the United States, France, and Canada. However, the selection of council members was delayed due to safety concerns and ethical issues.
The council includes members from Haiti’s main political parties, the private sector, civil society, the Haitian diaspora, and religious leaders. The council’s mandate aims for a new president to take office in February 2026, but the timing of elections is unspecified.
Despite the positive step of installing the council, challenges remain. Experts question the council’s ability to address widespread insecurity and govern effectively. Some Haitians have raised concerns about the council’s constitutional legitimacy, and protesters have tried to prevent the official announcement.
The multinational security force meant to combat the gangs still lacks funding, despite a pledge of $300 million by the Biden administration. U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick emphasized the urgent need for a solution to the crisis.
The United Nations’ human rights office reported over 1,500 deaths in Haiti this year, attributing the situation to corruption, impunity, poor governance, and escalating gang violence. The country faces severe food and fuel shortages, with the World Food Program warning of dwindling stocks.
As Haiti grapples with its worst humanitarian crisis, the hope is that the transition council will be able to deliver much-needed stability and relief to the suffering population. The urgency of the situation calls for political leaders to prioritize the well-being of the people and work together to address the challenges facing the nation.
