Awaiting Ariel Henry’s decision on agreements by the Presidential Transition Council

Haiti.- The Presidential Transition Council awaits approval from Ariel Henry and his council of ministers regarding the agreements reached.

Since this past weekend, Henry’s council of ministers has received both the political agreement, signed by all concerned parties, and the draft decree outlining the establishment and operations of the Presidential Council from CARICOM.

According to a government official speaking to Le Nouvelliste, the Council of Ministers received these documents on Monday night. However, during the Council of Ministers meeting held on Tuesday, no decisions were made regarding the political agreement or the draft decree concerning the Transitional Presidential Council.

“We have yet to reach a decision,” confirmed a minister who attended the meeting, speaking to the newspaper.

Meanwhile, Radio TV Menotronome station in Haiti reports that the Council of Ministers opted to postpone their Tuesday night meeting, rescheduling it for Wednesday, April 10, at 11:00 a.m. Allegedly, differences between the provided documents led to this postponement. The station suggests that Ariel Henry’s Government may consider not publishing the Political Agreement, as it purportedly grants excessive power to the Presidential Transition Council.

On another front, Gazzette Haiti media outlet highlights accusations against the government, claiming it has failed to adhere to the nation’s laws during 32 months of what’s described as “chaotic management” and accuses it of obstructing the process.

The political agreement, signed by all parties involved in forming the Presidential Council, outlines three primary priorities for the transition mission: security, constitutional and institutional reforms, and elections.

Debated points in the transition roadmap outlined in the political agreement include:

• Establishing a rescue and national unity government comprised of decentralized bodies and autonomous directorates.
• Implementing measures to restore the security of Haitian citizens, including the formation of a National Security Council and the reform and strengthening of national security forces.
• Appointing the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) and drafting a detailed electoral roadmap.
• Re-establishing and reorganizing state institutions.
• Convening a National Conference.
• Enacting necessary transitional reforms.
• Establishing a Constitution Review Commission based on National Conference recommendations.
• Strengthening state institutions to combat corruption and impunity.
• Developing an economic plan to support humanitarian and economic recovery, among other initiatives.