KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC—Haiti’s Prime Minister, Dr. Ariel Henry, is to resign, paving the way for a “peaceful transition of power,” Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced Monday night.
Ali, who is also the chairman of the 15-member regional integration movement, CARICOM< told a news conference at the end of the high-level meeting in Haiti that “we are pleased to announce a commitment to a transitional governance arrangement which paves the way for a peaceful transition of power, continuity of governance and action plan for near term security and the road to free and fair elections.
“It further seeks to assure that the rule of law will govern Haiti. This commitment reflects hard compromises among a diverse coalition of actors who have put their country above all differences.
“To that end, we acknowledged Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s resignation upon establishing a transitional presidential council and naming an interim prime minister.”
Ali said he wanted to thank Henry, who came to power following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, “for his service to Haiti, his service to the Haitian people, and for his commitment to the furtherance of the development of Haiti and the advancement of the people of Haiti and I ask us to give him an applause.”
Henry has been in Puerto Rico since last week, unable to enter his country after traveling from Kenya, where he signed an agreement allowing a United Nations Security Council-sanctioned international force led by the African nation to restore peace and security in his troubled country.
Ali said that it was also agreed that a transitional presidential council would be created comprised of seven voting members and two voting observers.
He said the seven voting members will comprise one representative from each group, including the Collective December 21, EDE/RED, Lavalas, and the private sector.
The non-voting members will be represented by one member from civil society and one from the interfaith community.
“The council will exercise specified presidential authorities during the transition, operating by majority vote. The exclusion from the transitional presidential council of anyone currently on a charge indictment or has been convicted in any jurisdiction, anyone under UN sanction, anyone intending to run in the next election in Haiti, and anyone opposing the UN Security Council resolution 2699.
Ali said the “transitional Presidential Council will swiftly select and appoint an interim prime minister.
“The transitional Presidential Council will appoint an inclusive Council of Ministers and the interim prime minister. During the transition period, the transitional Presidential Council will hold the relevant and possible powers of the Haitian presidency until an elected government is established.
“The transition of the Presidential Council will undertake the following: appoint an inclusive Council of Ministers; co-sign the orders and decrees and sign off on the agenda of the Council of Ministers; set the essential criteria for the selection of an impartial provisional electoral council; and establish the provisional electoral council. “
He said it would also make arrangements for a peaceful transition, ensure continuity of governance, and establish a national security council.
It will continue collaboration with all members of the international community to accelerate the deployment of the multinational security support mission.
“It is agreed that these measures will be implemented in parallel. The parties also make specific individual commitments regarding principles of inclusion, integrity, restoration of peace, and an orderly transition of power. These shared, and individual commitments can represent important steps towards facilitating increased humanitarian access to help ease the suffering of the Haitian people.”
Ali said the international community is ready to partner with Haiti to achieve these goals.
“Haitian participants must fully implement their commitments; Haitians deserve a country where children can attend school, and their parents know they will be safe. We commend Haitian stakeholders’ willingness and courage to commit to putting Haiti back on a path toward democracy, stability, and prosperity with a framework in place that eliminates a path forward. It is incumbent upon all, imploring all parties, all stakeholders, and all Haitians to be patient.
“This process requires patience. Let us be patient. Let us give a bit, let us sacrifice a bit, and give this agreement a chance to work—to enter into a process of national dialogue and to lay the groundwork for a transition that is based on inclusivity, encourages participation by all stakeholders, and paves the way for elections as soon as possible.
“This is the only sustainable path, the future of strong democratic institutions, peaceful resolution of conflict, and security and prosperity of all Haitians,” Ali added.
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