Haiti’s newly formed transitional council made an unexpected choice for prime minister, selecting former sports minister Fritz Bélizaire to replace interim Prime Minister Michel Patrick Boisvert. Bélizaire gained the support of four out of seven voting members on the nine-member panel, despite some members admitting they were unfamiliar with him.
The council, tasked with establishing a stable new government amidst rampant violence, also aimed to appoint a Cabinet to address escalating gang violence in Port-au-Prince and beyond. Gunfire echoed in the capital’s neighborhoods during the council’s meeting, underscoring the urgency of their task.
With over 90,000 people fleeing Port-au-Prince in a month and 360,000 left homeless due to gang activity, the situation is dire. Edgard Leblanc Fils, chosen as the president of the panel earlier in the day, expressed optimism about Bélizaire’s appointment, emphasizing the need to transcend divisions and reach consensus.
However, Bélizaire’s selection took many by surprise, with some council members admitting they didn’t know him. Despite his lack of visibility, experts suggest his neutrality may have contributed to his appointment, allowing different parties to accept him as prime minister.
The council’s swift decision reflects the urgency of the security crisis gripping Haiti. Louis Gérald Gilles, who supported Bélizaire, emphasized the need for immediate action to restore societal calm.
Despite the announcement, many Haitians remained unaware of the new prime minister’s identity and awaited news of his plans to address the security crisis. Amidst uncertainty, there’s hope that Bélizaire’s leadership could mark a turning point for Haiti’s safety and stability.
As the council deliberated behind closed doors about Cabinet selections, questions lingered about the durability of the alliance that supported Bélizaire. With diverse political affiliations represented among council members, the path forward remains uncertain.
In this volatile political landscape, Haitians yearn for a leader who can bring about meaningful change and ensure their safety in a country plagued by violence and instability.
