Haiti Installs Transitional Council To Address Spiraling Gang Violence

Michel Patrick Boisvert, who was named interim prime minister by the cabinet of outgoing Prime Minister Ariel Henry, toasts during the swearing-in ceremony of the transitional council tasked with sele

Haiti embarked on a new political journey with the establishment of a transitional council aimed at selecting a new prime minister and preparing for upcoming presidential elections. The move comes in response to the escalating gang violence that has claimed thousands of lives in the Caribbean nation.

Former Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who had been unable to return to Haiti due to the unrest, facilitated the transition by submitting his resignation letter from Los Angeles. The transitional council was sworn in on Thursday to oversee the selection of a new prime minister and Cabinet. In the interim, Economy and Finance Minister Michel Patrick Boisvert was appointed as the interim prime minister by Henry's outgoing Cabinet.

The council, consisting of nine members, including seven with voting powers, was inaugurated at the National Palace in Port-au-Prince amidst sporadic gunfire in the vicinity. The council's primary objectives include appointing a provisional electoral commission, establishing a national security council, and setting the agenda for a new Cabinet.

Former Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigns from Los Angeles to facilitate transition.

Haiti forms transitional council to select new prime minister and prepare for elections.

Economy Minister Michel Patrick Boisvert appointed as interim prime minister.

Council's objectives include appointing electoral commission and national security council.

Mandate of council set to expire on February 7, 2026, coinciding with new president's swearing-in.

International community supports Haiti in addressing security challenges.

Haiti faces political instability, humanitarian crises, and food insecurity.

Transitional council aims to restore stability, unity, and democratic elections.

The council's mandate, which is non-renewable, is set to expire on February 7, 2026, coinciding with the swearing-in of a new president. The members represent various political parties and civil society groups, with a focus on steering the country towards peace, economic recovery, and social cohesion.

The international community has emphasized the urgency of addressing Haiti's security challenges, exacerbated by the recent surge in gang activities. The United States has pledged support in enforcing export controls on weapons to curb the influx of arms fueling the violence in the country.

Haiti is currently grappling with a multifaceted crisis, characterized by political instability, humanitarian challenges, and acute food insecurity affecting millions of people. The situation has forced thousands to flee the capital, while many others endure dire living conditions in makeshift shelters.

As Haiti navigates through this critical juncture, the newly installed transitional council faces the daunting task of restoring stability, fostering national unity, and paving the way for democratic elections in the future.

For more updates on Latin America and the Caribbean, visit AP's Latin America and Caribbean coverage.