NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 13 — Kenya has welcomed the proclamation of a Presidential Transition Council (PTC) in Haiti aimed at addressing the current leadership vacuum in the Caribbean nation.
The nine-member council, unveiled on Friday, is tasked with the responsibility of appointing the next Prime Minister and Cabinet following the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry in March.
President William Ruto hailed the move on Saturday terming it a positive step towards restoring peace in Haiti, which is currently grappling with rampant gang violence
“This decision is evident of the collective courage and singular sacrifice of the Haitian Council of Cabinet to forge a Haiti free of violence and to entrench a new democratic administration,” he said.
He urged the PTC to act swiftly in appointing the Prime Minister and Cabinet, thus filling the leadership vacuum that has provided a breeding ground for criminal gangs.
President Ruto commended the leadership of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for their lobbying, which led to the successful establishment of a Presidential Transitional Council that “reflects the diverse sections of Haitian society.”
Expressing optimism, President Ruto emphasized the pivotal role the new leadership would play in tackling the gangs that have seized control of much of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince.
“Kenya expresses confidence that the new political leadership will lay a strong foundation for resolution of the crisis in Haiti, restoration of security, afford the Haitian people a political transition and usher in sustainable peace and development,” he said.
Kenya-led Police Mission
President Ruto reiterated Kenya’s solidarity with Haiti and affirmed Kenya’s commitment to contributing within the framework outlined in the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2699 of 2023.
The Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have endorsed the publication of the decree establishing the TPC in Haiti, saying the, “politically inclusive Council signals the possibility of a new beginning for Haiti.”
CARICOM pledged its support to Haiti in devising a governance formula owned by Haitians themselves, guiding the nation through elections towards restoration.
The CARICOM Heads of Government reaffirmed their full backing for the principles of the Political Accord, particularly Article 16, which outlines the mission of the Presidential Council to steer Haiti toward dignity, democratic legitimacy, stability, sovereignty, and the proper functioning of state institutions.
On March 1, Kenya finalized a planned deployment of a 1,000-strong police unit to Haiti after signing an agreement with the Caribean nation following a directive by the court.
Henry signed the deal in Nairobi but resigned days later following escalating violence that jeopardized his planned return to Haiti.
