Haiti: Political parties criticize outgoing Prime Minister for delay in forming the council

Haitian political parties slated to establish a long-awaited governing council have urgently called for its prompt installation, citing accusations against the outgoing prime minister for altering the terms of their previous agreement.

This call follows a recent decree in Haiti’s official gazette announcing the council’s formation last Friday, a development occurring a month after Prime Minister Ariel Henry declared his intention to resign amidst heightened violence from armed gangs in the capital.

The primary objective of the council is to facilitate a seamless transition as Henry, who has served as Haiti’s de facto leader since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, exits office, thereby paving the way for upcoming presidential elections.

Despite its vital role, the council’s establishment has faced delays due to ongoing political disputes, and the decree issued on Friday seemed to intensify tensions further.

In a statement dated Saturday, the nine factions and political parties slated to participate on the council expressed deep concern regarding the decree. They criticized “significant alterations” that they believe distort the original plan and questioned the legitimacy of the document.

Of particular concern was the demand for the official gazette to publish a political agreement finalized on April 3, which delineated the council’s objectives, structure, and member appointments.

While the outgoing Government acknowledged the council’s formation in its decree, it refrained from naming individual members. Instead, it urged those designated by the involved parties to submit necessary documentation for official approval.