Power Struggle in Haiti as Prime Minister Ariel Henry Resigns
Background
Politicians in Haiti are rushing for power after Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced his resignation on Tuesday, stating that he will leave once a transitional presidential council is formed. However, violent gangs who control 80% of Haiti’s capital are vying for a say in the country’s future.
Experts Warn of Stagnation
No one addressed armed organizations as Caribbean leaders congratulated themselves late Monday for putting Haiti on a new democratic path, and experts warned that little will change unless gangs are brought up. “Even if you have a different kind of government, the reality is that you need to talk to the gangs,” said Robert Fatton, a Haitian politics expert at the University of Virginia.
Gangs’ Growing Power
Gangs have strong ties to Haiti’s political and economic elite and have become more self-sufficient, funding their operations with abduction ransoms to purchase smuggled weapons. They control more than 200 gangs, with over 20 based in the capital and align with two main coalitions: G9 Family and Allies, led by Jimmy Chérizier, and G-Pep, led by Gabriel Jean-Pierre.
Instability Continues
As the instability continues, Henry has been unable to enter Haiti due to airport closures caused by violence. The gangs have burned down police stations, forced the closure of Haiti’s two international airports, and stormed the country’s two largest prisons, liberating almost 4,000 inmates.
Formation of Transitional Council
The council will appoint an interim prime minister, while the new leader will collaborate with the council to form a committee of ministers. The Pitit Desalin party, led by former senator and presidential candidate Moïse Jean-Charles, is allied with Guy Philippe, a former rebel leader who led a successful 2004 coup.
Critics of the Process
According to Jake Johnston, a research associate at the Washington-based Center for Economic and Policy Research, the process that led to the presidential council is defective and will complicate the process. Critics argue that the prime minister was chosen by the international community following President Jovenel Moïse’s assassination in July 2021 rather than being elected.
Conclusion
The power struggle in Haiti will likely continue, with little change expected unless gangs are brought up. The formation of a transitional council may bring some stability, but the process is flawed, and it remains to be seen whether the proposed solution will be effective.
FAQs
Q: What is the current situation in Haiti?
A: The country is experiencing instability due to the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry and the rise of violent gangs.
Q: What are the gangs’ demands?
A: The gangs are vying for a say in the country’s future, with some wanting power for themselves and others.
Q: What is the proposal for a transitional council?
A: The council will appoint an interim prime minister and form a committee of ministers, with some parties already allied with rebel leaders.
Q: What are the prospects for change in Haiti?
A: Experts warn that little will change unless gangs are brought up, and the process that led to the presidential council is flawed.