In response to Haiti's escalating crisis, the creation of a transitional council to select the country's next leaders is on the horizon. The nine-member council is expected to be formally established in Haiti this week, according to a U.S. diplomat. The power vacuum in Haiti has left the prime minister locked out of the country, which is grappling with severe gang violence that has led to the displacement of over 53,000 individuals in recent weeks.
The ongoing violence has resulted in the closure of Haiti's main seaport and airport, hindering the delivery of crucial aid. Experts have raised concerns about the surging levels of hunger and diseases in the country, labeling the situation as a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions.
Gangs have launched attacks on key government institutions in Port-au-Prince, including the main international airport, police stations, and prisons, resulting in the release of thousands of inmates. The United Nations Human Rights Office has described the situation as 'cataclysmic,' with over 1,550 fatalities and 800 injuries reported by late March.
The transitional council, comprising seven members with voting powers, will be tasked with selecting Haiti's next prime minister and Cabinet. However, the establishment of the council is not expected to offer an immediate solution to the deep-rooted issues plaguing the country.
Efforts to address Haiti's challenges require a multifaceted approach, as highlighted by the U.S. diplomat. The need for inclusive dialogue involving all segments of society, including the gangs controlling a significant portion of Port-au-Prince, was emphasized. However, the diplomat underscored the importance of prioritizing the interests of law-abiding citizens over those of criminal elements.
Addressing the root causes of gang involvement, such as lack of education, job opportunities, and training programs, was identified as crucial in combating the crisis. Panelists also raised concerns about the alleged support of gangs by Haitian politicians and elites to further their own agendas, underscoring the complex challenges facing Haitian society.
As Haiti navigates through this tumultuous period, the establishment of the transitional council marks a significant step towards charting a path forward amidst the crisis.
