After weeks of uncertainty, Haiti has established a transitional council responsible for selecting the country's next leadership. This move follows a decree published in Haiti's official state journal, signaling a step towards stability in the nation.
The transitional council, comprised of seven voting members and two non-voting observers, has been tasked with appointing a new prime minister and an 'impartial' electoral council. The council will also temporarily exercise certain presidential powers until a new president-elect is inaugurated, with a deadline set for February 7, 2026.
The members of the council, as announced in a press release, include Fritz Alphonse Jean, Louis Gérald Gilles, Edgard Leblanc Fils, Emmanuel Vertilaire, Smith Augustin, Lesly Voltaire, Laurent Saint Cyr, Frinel Joseph, and Régine Abraham.
Welcoming this development, the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) expressed optimism about the establishment of the council, describing it as a potential new beginning for Haiti. CARICOM emphasized the need for the council to address the urgent security situation in the region as one of its primary priorities.
Despite the positive steps taken, challenges remain ahead for Haiti. The country has been grappling with attacks by a coalition of gangs in the capital city of Port-au-Prince, leading to disruptions in vital supply lines and triggering an exodus of foreign nationals. The resulting humanitarian crisis has left nearly 5 million Haitians facing acute food insecurity, according to the United Nations.
As Haiti navigates through this critical period, CARICOM has pledged its support in assisting the nation in determining its future. The collaborative efforts between Haiti and CARICOM aim to address the pressing issues facing the country and pave the way for a more stable and prosperous future.
