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The CARICOM Eminent Persons Group (EPG) conducted an in-person visit to Haiti from August 11 to 16, 2024, in response to an invitation from the President of the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) and requests from various stakeholders. This visit followed earlier virtual discussions with the Presidential Council, the Prime Minister, and leaders from the nominating sectors. The EPG aimed to assess the progress made in the transition process to provide an informed report to the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).<\/p>\n
During their visit, the EPG engaged in discussions with a diverse range of Haitian representatives, including the dual executive leadership, the Director-General of the Haitian National Police, the Minister for Women\u2019s Affairs, leaders from the nominating sectors, political party representatives not affiliated with the TPC or the government, civil society groups including women\u2019s and human rights organizations, as well as representatives from the religious and private sectors, labor unions, and a visiting diaspora group. Additionally, they met with key international partners of Haiti, including representatives from Canada, France, and the USA, along with officials from the United Nations Office in Haiti (BINUH), the Organisation of American States (OAS), and the Commander of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM).<\/p>\n
The discussions with the TPC and the Prime Minister provided insights into the current situation, ongoing activities, and future plans, as well as the challenges they face. The EPG noted some positive steps taken by the TPC to address delays in establishing essential institutions outlined in the April 3 Accord, such as the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), the Government Action Oversight Organ (OCAG), the National Security Council, and the National Conference. However, concerns were raised about the disconnect between certain sectors and their representatives on the Council, leading to tensions. The EPG also highlighted stakeholder frustrations regarding the lack of publication of the April 3 Accord, the absence of critical institutions, inaction from the Council, and the negative implications of corruption allegations involving three Council members.<\/p>\n
A significant issue raised by both governance bodies was the challenges faced by the Haitian police and the Kenyan forces in tackling insecurity, which remains a primary concern for the Haitian populace. There was a shared sentiment that the Kenyan forces were under-resourced and lacked adequate personnel, hindering their ability to maintain control over reclaimed areas. The need for sufficient funding for the MSSM to address these equipment and staffing shortages was underscored, as these resources are also crucial for the Haitian police.<\/p>\n
The Prime Minister acknowledged the urgency of the situation, recognizing that the opportunity for meaningful change was limited and that the citizens expected tangible results. He pointed out that resource shortages and the deterioration of state institutions were significant barriers but assured that efforts were being made to tackle pressing socio-economic and humanitarian challenges. He stressed that without resolving the insecurity issue, progress in other vital areas of governance would likely be jeopardized.<\/p>\n
In discussions with a broad array of civil society representatives and political parties not part of the TPC or government, there was a consensus on the need for a reconfiguration of the TPC. Concerns were raised about the government’s inability to enhance security, dissatisfaction with the effectiveness of the Kenyan forces, and a decline in public trust in the TPC, worsened by the corruption scandal and calls for the removal of three Councillors. There was growing anxiety that ongoing delays could prevent the transition process from meeting its February 2026 deadline for electing a new president. Political party representatives outside the TPC criticized the lack of inclusivity in the Council of Ministers and the potential advantages that parties represented in the Council might gain leading up to the elections.<\/p>\n
The delays in establishing critical institutions, the need for improved effectiveness in achieving key objectives within the designated timeframe, and the damaging effects of corruption allegations have all contributed to the precariousness of the transition process. The timing of these corruption allegations could not be worse, necessitating swift action to maintain institutional integrity and public trust in the transition. The investigation by the anti-corruption agency will be crucial in this regard. It is essential to return to the principles established in the March 11, 2024 agreement in Jamaica, which emphasized inclusivity, consensus, and accountability.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The CARICOM Eminent Persons Group (EPG) conducted an in-person visit to Haiti from August 11 to 16, 2024, in response to an invitation from the President of the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) and requests from various stakeholders. This visit followed…","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":327914,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_cbd_carousel_blocks":"[]","footnotes":""},"categories":[235,9,12,14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-327912","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-homepage-carousel","category-news","category-politics","category-regional"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n