According to a top government official, Haiti’s acting Prime Minister Claude Joseph has agreed to step down and pass authority to his rival Ariel Henry after a long power battle that has thrown the country’s political landscape into disarray.
Days of negotiations between the two men over who would lead the Caribbean island have ended with the agreement. Since the killing of President Jovenel Moise on July 7, Joseph has led the country, emphasizing the need for stability in the Caribbean island. Joseph’s claim was disputed by Henry, who had been nominated for the premiership days before Moise’s death but never entered office.
According to current Elections Minister Mathias Pierre, Henry will become Prime Minister, while Joseph will continue to serve as Haiti’s Foreign Minister.
Pierre said, “Negotiations about the composition of the rest of government are still in course; there is no official announcement as of now.”
He also announced that a ministers’ meeting would be held on Monday afternoon to make final choices concerning the new government. On Tuesday, Henry will be installed, and the rest of his government will be disclosed.
Moise named Henry, a neurologist by training, Prime Minister on July 5, but was never sworn in. As the investigation into Moise’s death progresses, he has remained relatively mute. However, late Sunday night, Henry issued an audio speech in which he addressed Haitians and promised a new coalition government.
“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,” Henry said. “Today, it is our responsibility as leaders to work together to faces our challenges. I know some people are scared and have questions about who is leading the country. We weren’t ready for recent events, but I can assure you that in a very short period of time, I will unveil a new coalition government. This government will lead the country for a short period of time until we can hold better elections.”
Joseph promised to rule the country until the presidential and legislative elections this fall.
The Core Group, a group of foreign ambassadors and special representatives based in Haiti, including the US, urged Henry to take the lead on Saturday.
In a press statement issued by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, the group urged Henry to establish a new administration and hold presidential elections “as quickly as possible.”
According to Pierre, the elections minister, elections are expected to be held 120 days after Henry is sworn in as prime minister.
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