PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haiti’s newly installed transitional council chose a little known former sports minister as the Caribbean country’s prime minister Tuesday as part of its monumental task of trying to establish a stable new government amid stifling violence.
“This is a very good choice for prime minister,” Fils said of Bélizaire during a brief speech to nearly two dozen attendees.
A murmur rose through the attendees as officials announced that four council members with voting powers had selected Bélizaire as prime minister.
Leslie Voltaire, one of the voting council members, told The Associated Press, “I don’t know him,” when asked whether he supported Bélizaire.
Maybe that made him the likely prime minister so different parties can accept him as prime minister.” Council member Louis Gérald Gilles, who supported Bélizaire, told The Associated Press that the council wanted to act quickly in choosing a prime minister.
“They chose a new prime minister?” Jean-Paul Eliason said as he shuffled through the streets of Port-au-Prince ringing a bell to advertise his shoe-shining business.
Meanwhile, Augustin represents the EDE/RED political party, founded by former Prime Minister Claude Joseph.
Gilles represents the Dec. 21 agreement, which is associated with former Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who resigned weeks after the gang attacks began.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — In an effort to forge a stable new government amidst unrelenting violence, Haiti’s recently established transitional council selected a little-known former minister of sports as the country’s prime minister on Tuesday.
Although four of the seven voting members of the nine-member panel supported Fritz Bélizaire, other panel members claimed they were not familiar with him. Bélizaire was unexpectedly chosen to replace current interim prime minister Michel Patrick Boisvert.
In an effort to stop the gang violence that is engulfing Port-au-Prince and other areas, the council also intended to select a Cabinet. There were reports of heavy gunfire during the council meeting in a number of the capital’s neighborhoods.
Over 90,000 individuals have left the capital in less than a month, and as gunmen destroy communities in rival territories, more than 360,000 people have been left homeless in recent years.
Edgard Leblanc Fils, a past presidential contender, was appointed president of the panel earlier on Tuesday by the council.
Fils gave a brief speech to almost two dozen people and praised Bélizaire as a “very good choice for prime minister”. “What matters to us is this will, this resolve to overcome differences, resolve conflicts, and come to an agreement. “.
He said that the council met with representatives of the army and police on Monday to discuss the security situation in Haiti and possible solutions. He stated of the populace, “We are publicly acknowledging the suffering.”.
It was unexpected when Bélizaire announced his plans. When officials revealed that four of the council’s voting members had chosen Bélizaire to be prime minister, a murmur went up among the guests.
In response to a question about whether he supported Bélizaire, voting council member Leslie Voltaire told The Associated Press, “I don’t know him.”.
From 2006 to 2011, Bélizaire was Haiti’s minister of sports during René Préval’s second term in office.
Robert Fatton, a University of Virginia expert on Haitian politics, described him as “sort of an unknown figure.”. He doesn’t appear to have a following of his own. Perhaps this is what made him the most likely prime minister, allowing him to be accepted by various parties. “.
It was the council’s desire to select a prime minister as soon as possible, according to member Louis Gérald Gilles, who backed Bélizaire and spoke to The Associated Press. “The people of Haiti cannot wait any longer,” he declared. “Social peace depends on the security issue. “.
Many common Haitians were still unaware of the situation hours later.
Jean-Paul Eliason asked, “They chose a new prime minister?” as he made his way through Port-au-Prince’s streets while ringing a bell to promote his shoe-shining company.
The 70-year-old Eliason said he recognized Bélizaire’s name when he heard about him.
“It’s encouraging because it could set the nation on the correct course,” he remarked. Safety is the top concern. While gangs burn down people’s homes, others are escaping. “.
Lying back on his motorcycle next to a temporary barricade meant to keep out gangs from his neighborhood, Sony Duvert expressed his hope that the new prime minister would bring about more safety to Haiti.
“We post here like soldiers every day,” he declared. “I hope that Haiti experiences a significant transformation. “.
Almost two hours after the event was scheduled to begin, the council reconvened behind closed doors to discuss their choices for Cabinet following the brief announcement. Voltaire, though, stated he didn’t think the council would make the Cabinet announcement on Tuesday.
Smith Augustin, Gilles, Emmanuel Vertilaire, Fils, the council’s new president, and Fils made up the majority of those who backed Bélizaire.
We’ll see if it can last, Fatton said of their “unlikely” alliance. “.
Fils is a representative of the January 30 political group, which includes the PHTK party and is comprised of deceased President Jovenel Moïse and former President Michel Martelly. Claude Joseph, the former prime minister, founded the EDE/RED political party, which Augustin represents in the interim.
The Dec is represented by Gilles. 21 agreement, which is connected to former prime minister Ariel Henry, who left office a few weeks after the start of the gang attacks. Meanwhile, Vertilaire is associated with the Pitit Desalin party, which was pleased to announce the news on Tuesday and is led by prominent politician Jean-Charles Moïse.
“Bélizaire is a highly significant individual in the nation,” stated Moïse about him. “He is fairly well-versed in the state and has good governance skills. “.
The country’s presidency will be assumed by the transitional council until a presidential election can be scheduled, which must happen by February 2026, when it dissolves.
Haitians are still split on whether they think a transitional government can bring peace to a volatile nation whose capital has been under siege since gangs launched coordinated attacks on February. 29.
Gang members have broken into Haiti’s two largest prisons, releasing over 4,000 prisoners, set fire to police stations, and opened fire on the main international airport, which has been closed since early March. The largest seaport in the nation is still mainly immobilized by gang violence.
However, one thing is certain: security is what Haitians desire.
“Haitians are currently incredibly impatient. According to Fatton, they’re looking for results.
Council backing for the U.S. is anticipated. N. -backed the possible deployment of a Kenyan police force to assist in the fight against gangs, though it is unclear when that might occur.
When the coordinated gang attacks started, former prime minister Henry was in the nation of East Africa on an official visit. He is still barred from leaving Haiti. He resigned last week, submitting his paperwork.
