In the midst of escalating violence and gang control in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, security concerns loom large over the upcoming swearing-in ceremony for the transitional council tasked with selecting a new prime minister and Cabinet.
The ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday at the National Palace, faces significant challenges as gangs continue to wreak havoc in the area, posing a threat to both officials and civilians alike.
Recent reports indicate that more than 2,500 people were killed or wounded in Haiti from January to March, marking a significant increase compared to the same period last year. The violence, primarily concentrated in Port-au-Prince, has been attributed to the growing influence of gangs in the region.
Despite the security risks, the transitional council, comprised of nine members representing various political parties and civil society groups, is determined to move forward with the ceremony. However, concerns have been raised by regional officials who deem the National Palace as too risky a venue for the event.
As preparations for the installation of the council continue, sporadic gunfire near the National Palace serves as a grim reminder of the volatile situation in the capital. Hundreds of displaced individuals, now living in makeshift shelters close to the palace, remain on edge following recent incidents of violence.
While some, like Renoir Auxil, emphasize the importance of proceeding with the swearing-in ceremony despite the challenges, others, such as Marie-André Blain, express skepticism about the feasibility of holding the event at the palace given the prevailing security threats.
Amidst calls for enhanced security measures and international assistance, the Haitian government faces a daunting task in ensuring the safety of its citizens and officials during this critical period of political transition.
For more updates on the situation in Latin America and the Caribbean, visit AP's coverage.
