Haiti Imposes Strict Security Measures for Upcoming Council Inauguration Amid Instability

The Haitian government is enforcing strict security measures ahead of the inauguration of a new transitional council tasked with selecting a new prime minister and cabinet. The nine-member Presidential Transition Council, formally decreed on April 12, is scheduled to be installed in a ceremony at the prime minister's office on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

Armored vehicles and police are patrolling the area around the National Palace, which is surrounded by gang-controlled territory. The council had demanded to be sworn in at the palace, but ongoing violence and instability in the country have forced officials to relocate the ceremony. Gangs have previously attacked the palace, and a daily barrage of gunfire persists in downtown Port-au-Prince.

The push to hold the ceremony at the palace was seen as a show of force by the government. However, many Haitians doubt it will be held there due to the lack of security. "The council's installation ceremony will be held at the Prime Minister's office due to security concerns," a government official stated.

Why this matters: The installation of the transitional council is a critical step in Haiti's efforts to fill the leadership vacuum and prepare the country for presidential elections by February 2026. The ongoing gang violence and instability pose significant challenges to the council's ability to govern effectively and reach an agreement on key decisions.

Violence has surged in Haiti, with over 2,500 people killed or wounded from January to March, a more than 50% increase compared to the same period last year. The UN special envoy for Haiti has stressed the need to assist the country in reestablishing security, as gang leaders have vowed to violently disrupt the political process. The country is also experiencing a worsening food insecurity crisis, with over 532,000 more people facing acute food insecurity compared to August 2023.

The Haitian government is taking these rigorous security measures to prevent any injuries or deaths during the council's inauguration. "The government is working to maintain order and security during this critical transition period," an official stated. As Haiti grapples with relentless gang violence and political instability, the successful installation of the transitional council is seen as a crucial step towards restoring stability and paving the way for democratic elections.

Key Takeaways

• Haiti enforcing tight security for transitional council inauguration on April 25, 2024.
• Ongoing gang violence forces relocation of ceremony from National Palace to PM's office.
• Transitional council tasked with selecting new PM and cabinet, preparing for 2026 elections.
• Surge in violence, with over 2,500 killed/wounded from Jan-Mar 2024, a 50% increase.
• Successful council installation seen as crucial step to restore stability and enable elections.