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A newly formed governing council in Haiti, yet to be officially installed, has pledged to restore public order and democratic rule in a nation plagued by violence and political instability.
The impoverished Caribbean nation has been in turmoil since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Gang violence has escalated significantly in recent months, with clashes erupting after gangs demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Presidential Council, composed of eight of its nine designated members, acknowledged the suffering of the Haitian people and vowed to address the country’s multifaceted problems.
“We are determined to alleviate the suffering of the Haitian people, trapped for too long between bad governance, multi-faceted violence and disregard for their perspectives and needs,” the statement declared.
The council, once established, plans to appoint a new prime minister who will help form a government tasked with restoring stability and legitimacy. Free and fair elections are also a key objective.
However, the council’s formation has been hampered by disagreements among political leaders. Despite promising to step down upon the council’s establishment, Prime Minister Henry remains in office.
The council, envisioned with seven voting and two non-voting members, was announced by Haitian leaders in early March after discussions with international organizations including CARICOM, the Caribbean regional bloc. Members will be drawn from various sectors of Haitian society, including political parties and the private sector.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate. UNICEF has warned of a potential child mortality crisis due to malnutrition and lack of healthcare access. A recent report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) indicates that nearly half of Haiti’s population faces severe food insecurity, a consequence of the escalating gang violence.
The international community, including Kenya which had agreed to lead a UN-backed security mission, is awaiting the council’s formation before moving forward with their support.
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