Haiti Transition Council Reverses PM Nomination as Gangs Keep Launching Attacks

A bloc within Haiti's newly formed presidential council is retracting its decision regarding the selection of the next prime minister.

Instead, they opt to adhere to the initial political agreement, aiming to choose the Haiti transition council's leader from a pool of applicants, the Miami Herald reports.

This shift follows a recent controversial move where four members of the council decided to nominate Fritz Belizaire as the next Haiti prime minister without a public vote.

The bloc, named "The Indissoluble Majority Bloc," comprises four members and represents sectors aligned with former President Michel Martelly's Haitian Tet Kale Party (PHTK).

Haiti has been grappling with significant political and social challenges, including the assassination of a president and a devastating earthquake.

This turmoil has exacerbated a power vacuum, which has increasingly been filled by armed Haiti gangs competing for control.

The violence in the nation has escalated in recent months, with United Nations data reporting more than one person killed in gang violence every hour during the first three months of the year.

Security Crisis Amid Political Turmoil

Following the announcement of Fritz Belizaire as the new prime minister, Haiti experienced one of its most significant outbreaks of violence in recent times.

Haiti Gangs besieged several neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince, engaging in prolonged exchanges of gunfire with the police, according to Reuters.

The attacks, which began late Wednesday and continued into Thursday, targeted areas like Solino and Delmas 18, 20, and 24, causing mass displacement and destruction.

Residents faced harrowing experiences as they fled the violence, with homes being burned down and families separated in the chaos.

Many were forced to abandon their belongings and seek refuge elsewhere.

The attacks occurred in areas controlled by powerful gang leaders like Jimmy Cherizier, known as Barbecue, who heads the G9 Family and Allies gang federation.

The government's handling of the security crisis has come under scrutiny, especially as the Haiti Transition Council faces internal discord over key appointments.

The unexpected nomination of Belizaire has further strained relations within the council, raising concerns about its ability to govern effectively amid escalating violence and public dissatisfaction.

Calls for Stability and Safety

Haitians are demanding urgent action from their leaders to address the security challenges plaguing the nation.

With Haiti gangs wielding considerable power and influence, civilians feel increasingly vulnerable and marginalized.

The surge in violence has led to a mass exodus from Port-au-Prince, with tens of thousands fleeing to escape the deteriorating situation, AP News noted.

Individuals like Ernest Aubrey, who have endured years of instability, are now abandoning their homes in search of safety.

Despite facing immense hardship, some, like Vanessa Vieux, choose to remain resilient and hopeful, placing their trust in the authorities to restore order and protect their communities.

Haiti stands at a critical juncture, grappling with political uncertainty, social upheaval, and escalating violence.

The decision to revisit the Haiti prime minister selection process reflects the challenges facing the transitional government as it seeks to navigate the country through this tumultuous period.

Urgent action is needed to restore stability, rebuild trust, and address the root causes of insecurity plaguing Haitian society.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

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