Haitian government announces the official members of the Presidential Transition Council

Haiti.- The recently resigned Government of Haiti has finally published the decree appointing members to the Presidential Transition Council, following a delay that drew criticism from various political parties, groups, and alliances with representatives in the council. The decree, which creates the new political entity, was published last Friday in the official newspaper Le Moniteur, with the list of council members made public this Tuesday.

The voting members of the Presidential Transition Council include Smith Augustin from the EDE/RED party and Compromis Historique, Louis Gerald Gilles from the December 21 Agreement, Fritz Alphonse Jean from the Montana Agreement, Edgard Leblanc Fils from the January 30 Agreement, Laurent Saint-Cyr representing the private business sector, Emmanuel Vertilaire from the Parti Pitit Dessalines, and Leslie Voltaire from Fanmi Lavalas.

Additionally, the council includes observers without voting rights, Regine Abraham from the REN organization, and Frisnel Joseph representing civil society.

The publication of this document was demanded by these political entities, along with the publication of the agreement of April 3, 2024, promoted by the Caribbean Community (Caricom), the United States, and Canada, known as the “Agreement for a peaceful and orderly transition” in Haiti.

However, the organizations comprising the Presidential Transition Council expressed deep concern over a decree published on April 12 by the Government of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, citing significant changes that undermine the consensus plan for an executive bicameral system presented by the council.

In response to Haiti’s ongoing political and humanitarian crisis, the European Union urged political forces to cooperate sincerely in seeking a Haitian-led solution. The spokesperson for the European Foreign Affairs Service (EEAS), Peter Stano, emphasized the urgent need for a Haitian solution to address the political vacuum and address longstanding issues.

Haiti has been grappling with years of crisis and violence, exacerbated by increased insecurity since the end of February, with powerful armed gangs launching attacks on institutions, companies, private properties, and prisons, resulting in the escape of approximately 3,600 prisoners.