The United States and the United Nations began withdrawing personnel from the capital of Haiti on Wednesday, two days after the prime minister announced his resignation.
Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced his resignation on Monday following the assumption of power by a transitional council in response to the increasing violence carried out by influential gangs.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters on Wednesday that he expects the transition council to form in the next two days after meeting with regional Caribbean leaders, Haiti’s government, and opposition in Jamaica this week.
The Miami Herald reported on Wednesday that Jimmy “Barbeque” Cherizier, the most powerful gang leader in Haiti and a threat to depose Henry, disbanded the transitional council.
Last month, Henry visited Kenya to secure Nairobi’s leadership of a long-delayed security mission to fight the UN-believed capital’s gangs. His absence increased violence, and he resigned while stranded in Puerto Rico.
On Wednesday, William Ruto, the president of Kenya, reportedly assured Blinken that his country would be ready to lead the mission “as soon as this new council is established” and selects an interim prime minister.
The United Nations reports that gang members have killed thousands and internally displaced more than 360,000 people, amidst widespread incidents of rape, torture, arson, ransom kidnappings, and food shortages.
Author’s Comment:
The withdrawal of the United States and the United Nations obviously underscores the international community’s concern for stability and security in Haiti.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s anticipation of a transitional council formation, following discussions with regional leaders and stakeholders, reflects a concerted effort to address Haiti’s governance challenges. But contrarily, reports of gang leader Jimmy “Barbeque” Cherizier disbanding the transitional council add complexity to Haiti’s political landscape, highlighting the influence wielded by these criminal elements.
Following the withdrawal of personnel from Haiti’s capital, several developments can be anticipated. Such as:
- Increased instability: The absence of international personnel may create a security vacuum, potentially leading to heightened instability and insecurity in the region.
- Political maneuvering: With Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s resignation and the dissolution of the transitional council, there may be further political maneuvering as various factions compete for power and influence.
- Humanitarian concerns: The ongoing violence and displacement caused by gangs in Haiti may exacerbate existing humanitarian crises, including food shortages and the displacement of civilians.
- International involvement: Even the withdrawal underscores the international community’s concern for stability and security in Haiti, it may also prompt renewed discussions and efforts by the international community to address the root causes of instability in Haiti and provide support for peacebuilding and reconstruction efforts.
- Local efforts & responses: Haitian authorities and civil society organizations may step up efforts to address security and governance challenges at the local level, potentially leading to community-driven initiatives for peace and stability.
Overall, the situation in Haiti following the withdrawal of personnel is likely to remain fluid and complex, with both challenges and opportunities for progress on political, security, and humanitarian fronts.
