Haiti To Form A New Government With Ariel Henry As The Prime Minister

Haiti’s interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph will step down from the position today and a new coalition government will be formed with Ariel Henry as the new Prime Minister. Joseph’s processor President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated on July 7 at his residence. This led to a power struggle and the interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph declared a “state of siege” and him being in charge. In the absence of a working Parliament and a succession process, there was a political power struggle for the control of Haiti’s government.

Ariel Henry, a 71-year-old neurosurgeon, and the public official was appointed by the Prime Minister two days before his assassination but had been officially sworn in. This ceremony which was part of the plan and wish of the late President will be taking place today.

Two days ago, a group of international diplomats called the Core Group also issued a statement to encourage the designated Prime Minister Ariel Henry to form a “consensual” and “inclusive” government to end political uncertainty in the country. The Core Group comprises ambassadors from Germany, Brazil, Canada, Spain, the United States, France, the European Union and representatives from the United Nations, and the Organization of American States.

The death of President Moïse worsened the political instability in the country increasing the chances of gang violence. In June, around 15,000 Haitians were displaced from certain neighborhoods in the capital as a result of gang violence. Despite Haiti’s attempt to hold elections in the coming September, civil activists say that the political instability in the country might make it impossible for real elections to happen.

Moïse will be buried on Friday in the city of Cap-Haitien. His wife Marine who was also seriously injured in the attack was being treated in the Miami Hospital will return on July 23 to attend her husband’s funeral.

Ariel Henry released a video statement online on Sunday addressing the citizens and promising them a stable coalition government saying: “My fellow Haitians in Haiti and in the diaspora, it is an honor for me to address you as your prime minister. I am calling for all of us to unite and to work together to stop the nation from descending into the abyss.”