On Wednesday, Haitian politicians embarked on a quest for new alliances in a bid to forge a coalition capable of navigating the country away from the grip of gang violence, which has not only shuttered the main airport but also thwarted the return of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
Haiti remained ensnared in paralysis, its schools and businesses shuttered amidst a relentless barrage of gunfire attributed to the gangs, who exercise control over approximately 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
The desolate streets bore witness to several lifeless bodies emblematic of the chaos. Moreover, over the weekend, the country witnessed the audacious raid of its two largest penitentiaries, culminating in the liberation of over 4,000 inmates.
Henry finds himself increasingly besieged by calls for his resignation, a move that could potentially instigate a transition to a new government supported by the United States.
One emerging political coalition features former rebel leader Guy Philippe and ex-presidential candidate and senator Moïse Jean Charles. On Wednesday, Jean Charles disclosed to Radio Caraïbes that they had reached an agreement to establish a three-person council to govern Haiti.
Haitian Leaders Form New Partnerships to Stop Rising Violence (Credits: Bay to Bay News)
Philippe, a pivotal figure in the 2004 uprising that ousted former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, re-entered Haiti in November, vigorously advocating for Henry’s ouster. His return followed a stint in U.S. incarceration after pleading guilty to a charge of money laundering.
Simultaneously, queries surfaced regarding whether the United States had urged Henry to step down. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, responded by affirming the U.S.’s call for Henry to initiate a political process culminating in the formation of a presidential transitional council, paving the way for elections.
American officials underscored the urgency of restoring normalcy to Haiti and emphasized the necessity for Henry to expedite the transition to an empowered and inclusive governance structure.
Amidst this turmoil, Henry has refrained from making public statements since the onslaught of attacks by gangs on critical infrastructure last week, coinciding with his trip to Kenya, where he was advocating for the deployment of a U.N.-endorsed police force from the East African nation to combat the escalating violence in Haiti.
Prior to his Kenya visit, Henry attended a summit in Guyana convened by Caricom, a regional trade bloc, with Haiti prominently featured on the agenda.
Furthermore, a Caribbean official divulged that Caricom leaders engaged in discussions with Henry, presenting several alternatives to resolve Haiti’s deepening crisis, including his resignation, which he adamantly rebuffed.
On Tuesday, Henry’s attempt to return to Haiti was thwarted, with Port-au-Prince reverberating with heavy gunfire, instilling fear of further assaults orchestrated by formidable gang leaders.
The reopening of the country’s international airport remains uncertain as Haiti grapples with the turmoil gripping its core.
