Title: Haiti Forms Transitional Council Amid Escalating Gang Violence and Humanitarian Crisis
In a bid to bring stability to a country plagued by escalating gang violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis, Haiti has finalized a new transitional ruling council. The council’s formation was announced in an official state-run bulletin on Friday, following the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry after being prevented from returning to the country by gangs.
The council, established with the help of regional Caribbean Community bloc CARICOM, the United States, France, and Canada, aims to restore law and order by appointing an acting prime minister to lead a new government and pave the way for the election of a new president. However, challenges remain as armed gangs continue to control much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, wreaking havoc and causing chaos.
The council includes members from Haiti’s main political parties, the private sector, civil society, the Haitian diaspora, and religious leaders. Its mandate anticipates a new president taking office in February 2026, but the timing of elections is yet to be determined. To join the council, members must support the deployment of a multinational force led by Kenya to combat the gangs.
Despite the positive step of establishing the council, concerns linger about its capacity to address the widespread insecurity in Haiti. The multinational security force lacks funding, with only a fraction of the pledged $300 million from the Biden administration approved by Congress. Urgent calls for action have been made by U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, emphasizing the need for immediate solutions to the crisis.
The United Nations has reported over 1,500 deaths in Haiti this year, attributing the dire situation to corruption, impunity, poor governance, and escalating gang violence. The country is facing severe food and fuel shortages, with the World Food Program warning of dwindling stocks by the end of the month.
As Haiti grapples with its worst humanitarian and sanitarian crisis, the hope lies in the effectiveness of the transition council to deliver much-needed stability and relief to the population. The urgency of the situation calls for political leaders to prioritize the well-being of the people and work together to address the pressing challenges facing the nation.
