A pivotal step toward establishing a transitional presidential council in Haiti gains momentum, according to Caribbean officials on Thursday.

This move follows the submission of names by most Haitian parties and coalitions tasked with ushering in Haiti's new leader.

Caribbean authorities revealed that the provided names have been forwarded to CARICOM, a regional trade bloc aiding in the transition process, AP News reports.

Albert Ramdin, Foreign Minister of Suriname, emphasized the Haitians' pivotal role in determining their fate, stating, "It is all up now to the Haitians as they are the ones who want a Haitian-led solution."

Tensions escalated when a prominent Haiti gang leader, Barbecue, issued a menacing warning directed at political figures involved in the proposed transition council.

Concurrently, outbreaks of violence intensified in the capital city, marked by fires and armed confrontations.

The initiative to form the council to choose Haiti's new leader gained traction after discussions among Caribbean leaders, including a closed-door meeting in Jamaica with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry pledged his resignation upon the council's establishment, signaling a crucial step in addressing Haiti's political impasse.

The council's primary responsibilities include selecting an interim prime minister and a council of ministers, along with facilitating long-overdue general elections.

READ NEXT: Political Parties Reject Haiti Transition Proposal 

Border Insecurity and Escalating Violence

As plans for an international security force remain uncertain, neighboring countries have bolstered border security measures and withdrawn embassy staff, according to Reuters.

The capital, Port-au-Prince, initially experienced a semblance of calm following Prime Minister Ariel Henry's announcement of resignation plans.

However, recent events indicate a resurgence of violence, with incidents including a shootout and an attack on the police academy.

Moreover, a blaze erupted at the main penitentiary, previously emptied of inmates by armed groups.

Although the fire was extinguished by Thursday afternoon, its origins remain under investigation.

In a separate incident, the residence of national police chief Frantz Elbe was reportedly set ablaze.

Haiti grapples with a protracted political and humanitarian crisis exacerbated by rampant gang activities, widespread violence, and internal displacement of hundreds of thousands of citizens.

Haitian Migrants Face Uncertain Future

Amidst the turmoil, Haitian migrants expelled from the Dominican Republic confront dire circumstances upon their return.

Escalating violence and a humanitarian crisis reminiscent of the 2010 earthquake plague Haiti as gangs intensify attacks to force political change.

Dominican authorities continue repatriating undocumented Haitians, disregarding the deteriorating situation in their homeland, per BBC.

The absence of refuge options exacerbates migrants' plight, leaving them vulnerable to insecurity and uncertainty.

The UN Population Fund underscores the humanitarian catastrophe in Port-au-Prince, highlighting the dire predicament faced by its inhabitants, particularly women and girls.

Hospitals struggle to operate amidst fuel shortages and disrupted supply chains, further exacerbating the healthcare crisis.

While Prime Minister Ariel Henry's resignation offers a glimmer of hope, concerns persist over potential power struggles and demands for amnesty by influential Barbecue and other Haiti gang leaders.

Notably, gangs increasingly employ rape and sexual violence as weapons of terror, targeting women to instill fear and assert dominance.

Despite underreporting due to fear of reprisals, instances of sexual violence continue to plague Haitian communities, compounding the challenges faced by returning migrants.

In conclusion, Haiti's trajectory remains fraught with uncertainty as political, social, and humanitarian challenges converge, underscoring the urgent need for concerted international intervention and sustainable solutions to alleviate the nation's plight.

READ MORE: Haiti Prime Minister Resigns 

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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