The prime minister of Haiti, Ariel Henrywill resign after “the establishment of a transitional presidential council and the appointment of an interim prime minister,” announced the acting president of the Caribbean Community and leader of Guyana, Irfan Ali.
The shift leader Caricomaccompanied by other heads of government of the Caribbean organization, explained in a press conference late on Monday in Kingston that it had been agreed “to create a transitional presidential council made up of seven members with voting rights and two observers.” .
This decision was taken after a meeting in Jamaica with representatives of other international partners such as USA y Franceas well as the HIM.
Henry did not attend the meeting, remaining in Puerto Rico, where he has been stranded for a week due to the escalation of violence in Haiti and the pressure for him to resign.
“We are pleased to announce the commitment to a transitional governance agreement that paves the way for a peaceful transition of power, continuity of governance and an action plan for near-term security and the route to free and fair elections”he declared.
Acting Prime Minister
Regarding the presidential council, Ali detailed that it will select and appoint an interim prime minister and, together with the latter, will elect an “inclusive” council of ministers.
The seven members with voting rights will be representatives of the following groups: Agreement of December 21, RED/EDE, Avalanche, Montana, Son of Dessalines and the private sector, while the observers will be members of civil society and the religious community.
Any person who has been charged or convicted, is under UN sanctions, seeks to participate in the upcoming elections and opposes UN resolution 2699, as agreed, is excluded from being part of the presidential council.
The aforementioned council will have “presidential powers during the transition period”, until an elected Government is established in Haiti, and must make decisions by majority, indicated the current president of Caricom.
This transitional body will be in charge of co-signing orders and decrees with the council of ministers, establishing the essential criteria for the selection of an “impartial and provisional” electoral council and favoring “a peaceful transition,” Ali indicated.
Governance
It will also need to ensure governance and continue collaboration with all members of the international community to accelerate the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission at Haiti.
“The Haitian parties must fully implement their commitments,” stressed Ali, who asked for “patience” and to give this agreement “the opportunity to work,” which he defined as “a step forward.”
Ali was flanked by the prime ministers of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves; Barbados, Mia Mottley; y Bahamas, Philip Davisamong other Caricom members.
The meeting was also attended by the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinkenthe Mexican chancellor, Alicia Barcena; the French Minister of State for Development, Chrysoula Zacharopoulou; y Earle Courtenay Rattraychief of staff of the UN secretary, António Guterres.
Blinken committed an additional $100 million to the multinational mission, bringing the amount approved by the US to $300 million (about €274.5 million).
The increase in violence in Haiti began on February 28 after it was learned that Henry had committed to holding elections before the end of August 2025, although, according to a 2022 agreement, he should have left power on February 7. EFE (I)
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