a political agreement reached to form a transition council

This council must replace the contested Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who announced his resignation on March 11.

Towards an end to the crisis in Haiti? Haitian political leaders have reached an agreement to form a 22-month presidential transition council, according to a document consulted by AFP on Monday April 8. This council will be responsible for restoring order in this Caribbean country, plagued by political instability and gang violence.

This council of nine members, seven voters and two observers, includes representatives of the country’s main parties, as well as the private sector and civil society. His mandate will end “February 7, 2026”, notes the text. The entity is to replace disputed Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who announced his resignation on March 11.

According to the agreement, the first task of this council will be to choose a prime minister who, in collaboration with the council, will appoint a government to lead the country towards “democratic, free and credible elections”. None of the members of the council or the government will be able to run in these elections. The transitional body establishes three priorities: “security, constitutional and institutional reforms, and elections”.

No elections since 2016

The political agreement also announces the creation of a national security council, formed by experts. He will oversee agreements for international security assistance, including the dispatch of a UN-backed mission.

Haiti has no longer had a president since the assassination of Jovenel Moïse in 2021, and no longer has a functioning Parliament. The last elections took place in 2016. In late February, powerful Haitian gangs, which control more than 80% of Port-au-Prince and crucial roads, joined forces to attack police stations, prisons, airport and port in order to oust Ariel Henry.

The population is facing a serious humanitarian crisis, with shortages of food, medicine and other basic goods.