Haiti’s Transition Council and the Appointment of Edgard Leblanc
Haiti’s transition council, led by former senate president Edgard Leblanc, aims to restore security amidst political turmoil. Leblanc’s appointment follows weeks of deadlock.
Formation of the Transitional Body
Haiti’s transition council named Edgard Leblanc, the former senate president, to head the body instated last week as it seeks to bring security back to the violence-wracked Caribbean nation. The council is formed by seven voting members and two non-voting observers.
Appointment of Prime Minister Fritz Belizaire
The council also tapped Fritz Belizaire, former youth and sports minister, as prime minister. Michel Patrick Boisvert, who served as finance minister under former Prime Minister Ariel Henry, has been filling the role on an interim basis. Belizaire’s nomination must be confirmed by a declaration in Haiti’s national gazette.
Challenges Faced by the Council
Leblanc won the nomination with four votes, including his own, in favour, though tensions were still evident in a ceremony announcing the decision. The transitional body faces challenges following weeks of political deadlock and in-fighting after the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry amidst an armed conflict in the capital.
Threats from Haiti’s Gang Leaders
Some of Haiti’s most powerful gang leaders are threatening more violence if they are not allowed political sway. The gangs, including Kraze Barye and Viv Ansanm, have demanded amnesty for their crimes and a plan for young gang members.
Call for Resolution
In an interview with CNN, Vitel’homme Innocent, head of the Kraze Barye gang, called for the council to listen to the gangs and find a resolution to the crisis “as soon as possible.” Viv Ansanm’s leader, Jimmy Cherizier, warned of consequences if the gangs were ignored, emphasizing the need for dialogue.
Gang Violence and Human Rights Concerns
According to U.N. estimates, more than one person was killed in Haiti gang violence every hour in the first three months of this year. Reports indicate gangs using mass sexual violence, ransom kidnappings, and torture to extort the population, raising significant human rights concerns.