Haiti Transition Proposal Rejected by Political Parties
A former Haiti senator, Jean Charles Moise, and presidential candidate has declined an offer to participate in the transition.
This transition aims to prepare the country for the arrival of a multinational security force and subsequent elections, according to the Miami Herald.
The founder of the Haiti political party, Platform Pitit Desalin, Moise's rejection comes amidst anticipation from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for the formation of a presidential panel to oversee the Haiti transition and select a new prime minister.
One of Moise's allies, Guy Philippe, who played a significant role in a successful revolt against former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 2004, criticized CARICOM's involvement.
Philippe, recently released from a US prison after pleading guilty to money laundering, accused CARICOM of aligning with Haiti's elite and corrupt politicians.
He urged Haitians to assert their influence in determining the country's governance, emphasizing that Haitians should have the final say in their leadership.
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High-profile Politicians Opt Out
Several other prominent Haitian politicians have also declined involvement in the proposed transitional council.
Himmler Rebu, a former colonel of Haiti's army and president of the Grand Rally for the Evolution of Haiti, expressed a preference for a judge from Haiti's Supreme Court to assume power.
Rebu criticized the pursuit of positions of power without considering the associated responsibilities.
Additionally, former senator Sorel Jacinthe and young politician Jorchemy Jean Baptiste, supporters of Prime Minister Ariel Henry and the December 21 coalition, advocated for their preferred candidates for the transitional council on Radio Caraibes.
However, leaders of the Caribbean nations, who introduced the Haiti transition council plan following urgent discussions with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and others, have not commented on the situation, AP News reports.
Concerns Amidst Political Turmoil
Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced his intention to resign once the transitional council is established, citing the government's inability to address the escalating violence orchestrated by powerful gangs. Henry's announcement came as gang attacks paralyzed Haiti, leading to the release of thousands of inmates and widespread destruction of public and private properties, Reuters noted.
As of March 10, armed groups had attacked numerous state institutions, homes, businesses, and vehicles, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Haiti.
Despite the relative calm in Haiti's capital following Henry's resignation announcement, the United States and the United Nations have begun withdrawing staff, indicating concerns about potential unrest.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expects the formation of the transitional council in the coming days, following discussions with regional leaders and representatives from Haiti's government and opposition in Jamaica.
While Caribbean leaders have outlined the composition of the transitional council, the appointment of its members remains uncertain.
Notably, Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier, a prominent gang leader, has reportedly dismissed the Haiti transition, raising further questions about its effectiveness.
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Written by: Bert Hoover
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