Haiti decrees long-awaited transition council, but questions remain

The decree was published in Haiti's official gazette and names the nine political parties or social sectors who will be represented on the council, including two non-voting observers, confirming an announcement made last month. The transition plan was announced on March 11 as armed men mounted attacks on parts of the capital Port-au-Prince they did not already control, while unelected Prime Minister Ariel Henry remained stranded outside the country.

Haiti's government on Friday issued a decree formalizing the creation of a nine-member transitional presidential council, a long-delayed move intended as the first step in restoring security to the gang-ravaged Caribbean country.

The decree, however, leaves many questions unanswered. It does not name the new council members or establish a timeframe for its installation or that of a new prime minister. The decree was published in Haiti's official gazette and names the nine political parties or social sectors who will be represented on the council, including two non-voting observers, confirming an announcement made last month.

The transition plan was announced on March 11 as armed men mounted attacks on parts of the capital Port-au-Prince they did not already control, while unelected Prime Minister Ariel Henry remained stranded outside the country. The same day, Henry said he would step down pending the installation of his replacement, set to be appointed by this council - initially expected to be brought in within a couple of days.

Friday's decree, issued in Haiti's Le Moniteur gazette, calls for the council to "participate, in agreement with the prime minister, in the formation of an inclusive ministers' cabinet." It says the council must "rapidly" choose a new prime minister, without giving a set timeframe.

It also stipulates the council be headquartered in the National Palace in downtown Port-au-Prince, which has come under fire several times in the past weeks. In a separate statement on Friday, the government said it invited the designated representatives to submit documents to prove their eligibility at government offices in the capital.

The transition plan, which includes rules that would disqualify representatives who are subject to a criminal suit, was agreed with the mediation of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) ahead of Henry's announcement that he would step down. The nine groups named by CARICOM and in Friday's decree have all put forward council candidates, but their nominations have yet to be formalized despite frequent pledges that such an announcement was near.

The delayed transition has prompted critics to accuse Henry's allies of hampering the process in order to keep hold of power. The government has said it is working through legal and constitutional problems "as fast as possible." CARICOM on Friday said it welcomed the decree and reiterated the need for the new leaders to urgently address the security situation so schools and businesses can reopen and people can travel freely and access basic supplies.

Close to 95,000 people have fled the capital's metropolitan area in the last month as armed gangs have cemented their control. Haitians are lacking basic goods as key ports remain closed, while the outgoing government remains absent.

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