By Wasana Nadeeshani Sellahewa
Commonwealth _ Caribbean leaders convened on Tuesday to address the ongoing crisis in Haiti, where gang violence has plunged the nation into chaos. Despite the turmoil, progress toward establishing a transitional presidential council to select an interim prime minister has been made, with all groups and political parties, except one, submitting nominees for consideration. Originally composed of nine members, the council now stands at eight following the Pitit Desalin party’s decision to abstain from participation, led by former senator and presidential candidate Jean-Charles Moïse. Moïse, known for his alliance with Guy Philippe, a former police official and rebel leader with a history of legal entanglements, opted out last week.
One of the last groups to submit a nominee to the regional trade group Caricom was the Dec. 21 coalition, aligned with Prime Minister Ariel Henry. However, their nomination faced delays due to internal disputes over potential candidates. Henry, unable to return to Haiti due to the rampant gang violence that led to the closure of the main international airport, has pledged to step down once the transitional council is established. His absence was notable during a critical time, as armed assailants launched coordinated attacks on February 29 in Port-au-Prince, disrupting the nation further. Efforts to deploy a U.N.-backed police force from Kenya, advocated for by Henry during an official trip to Kenya, have been hindered by the ongoing violence.
The situation in Haiti has escalated dramatically, with gangs targeting police stations, seizing control of the main international airport, and orchestrating prison breaks that released thousands of inmates. In a disturbing turn, affluent neighborhoods, previously untouched by the unrest, were invaded and pillaged by armed groups, resulting in numerous casualties and displacing thousands. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that approximately 17,000 people have been rendered homeless, with many seeking refuges in the comparatively tranquil southern region of Haiti.
Guyanese President Irfaan Ali, serving as the Caricom chairman, expressed grave concern over the escalating violence plaguing Haiti. The international community remains committed to finding a solution to the crisis, but the path forward is fraught with challenges. In the face of such turmoil, the formation of a transitional presidential council is viewed as a critical step toward restoring stability in Haiti. The council’s primary responsibility will be to select an interim prime minister capable of navigating the country through this tumultuous period. However, the process has been hindered by political discord and logistical hurdles, underscoring the complexity of the situation.
Moreover, the absence of Prime Minister Henry from the country’s affairs exacerbates the challenges at hand. His leadership is sorely missed as Haiti grapples with unprecedented levels of violence and insecurity. The delayed deployment of a foreign police force further underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for swift action. As Haiti teeters on the brink of collapse, the international community must redouble its efforts to provide humanitarian assistance and support the establishment of stable governance structures. The plight of the Haitian people cannot be overlooked, and concerted action is needed to address the root causes of the crisis and prevent further suffering.
Haiti stands at a crossroads, with the formation of a transitional presidential council offering a glimmer of hope amid the chaos. However, significant challenges lie ahead, and the path to stability remains uncertain. Only through collective action and unwavering determination can Haiti overcome its current challenges and build a brighter future for its citizens.
