HAITI-UN Security Council recognizes the role being played by CARICOM

UNITED NATIONS, CMC—The United Nations Security Council has recognized the “key role” the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) played in facilitating Haiti’s efforts to overcome the ongoing political stalemate and security situation.

In a statement, the Security Council “took note” of the outcome declaration issued on 11 March 2024 following a high-level meeting in Haiti convened by the leaders of CARICOM in Kingston, Jamaica, on the commitment reached with Haitian stakeholders for a transitional governance arrangement in Haiti, including the proposed creation of a Transitional Presidential Council and the naming of an Interim Prime Minister.

“The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support for a Haitian-led, Haitian-owned political process and urged all Haitian stakeholders to continue to foster the broadest possible consensus through inclusive dialogue, including with the support of CARICOM and the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) to permit the organization of free and fair legislative and presidential elections, with the full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation of women and the engagement of youth,” the statement said.

Guyana’s President and CARICOM chairman, Dr. Irfaan Ali, told reporters in Jamaica that an agreement had been reached that would allow Prime Minister Ariel Henry to step down and for 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.”

Ali said that it was also agreed that a transitional presidential council would be created comprised of seven voting members and two voting observers.

Those with votes include the ‘Pitit Desalin’ party headed by Jean-Charles Moise, the EDE party of former prime minister Charles Joseph; the Fanmi Lavalas party; the December 21 coalition led by Henry; the Montana Accord group; and members of the private sector.

The non-voting members will be represented by one member from civil society and one from the interfaith community.

Earlier this week, Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said he believes there should be a high-level meeting on Haiti similar to what was held in Jamaica earlier this month. He criticized the slow pace of international support for ending the political and socio-economic situation in the French-speaking CARICOM country.

Kenya has signed an agreement with Haiti’s Prime Minister Henry, allowing the African country to lead a United Nations Security Council-sanctioned international force to restore peace and security in his troubled country.

In its statement, the UN Security Council also strongly condemned the violence and the attacks carried out by the armed gangs in the country.

It stressed the need for the international community to redouble its efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the population and to support the Haitian National Police, including through building its capacity to restore law and order and through the swift deployment of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission as authorized by resolution 2699 (2023) of the Security Council.

“The members of the Security Council emphasized the Council’s role in enhancing the effectiveness of sanctions to prevent the escalation and deterioration of the situation of Haiti, in accordance with resolutions 2653 (2022) and 2700 (2023).

“The members of the Security Council expressed grave concern at the illicit flow of arms and ammunition into Haiti that remains a fundamental factor of instability and violence. They reiterated the obligation of Member States to implement the arms embargo by resolutions 2699 (2023) and 2700 (2023) of the Security Council and their determination to take further actions in this regard in the Security Council.

The statement added, “The members of the Security Council emphasized their continued solidarity with the people of Haiti and expressed their support for the work done by BINUH and the United Nations country team towards a better future for Haiti.”