The U.S. Department of State advocates for a new 18-month political transition in Haiti.
During an informal general assembly at the United Nations, the U.S. representative had stated: “[…] We encourage political actors in Haiti to come to the table for dialogue and engage in an 18-month political transition. Because if there can be no lasting political solution without security, we also know the reverse is true.”
The U.S. diplomat did not provide details on this new proposal.
Contacted by the CaribbeanTelevisionNetwork editorial team, a spokesperson from the U.S. Department of State emphasized the need for frank dialogue among various Haitian stakeholders to reach a crisis resolution. “The United States continues to call on political actors to overcome their differences and establish an inclusive political consensus to enable elections as soon as conditions permit,” stated the spokesperson, reaffirming the U.S.’s commitment to supporting efforts to reach a consensus on a political path and encouraging all stakeholders to advance constructive dialogue in the interest of the Haitian people.
When asked for details about the proposal for a new 18-month political transition, the spokesperson was unable to provide explanations. “I will refer you to the Haitian stakeholders for questions related to the constitution and the electoral process in Haiti,” the spokesperson tersely declared.
The spokesperson also urged the swift implementation of a process leading to the “planning and holding of free and fair elections.”
On December 19, a group of six U.S. senators sent a letter to President Joe Biden expressing their concerns about the lack of willingness and the inability of the de facto Prime Minister Ariel Henry to facilitate an exit from the crisis after more than two years in power.
Pressed to explain whether the new transition should be led by the current Prime Minister, the spokesperson stated, “The U.S. Department of State has been clear: Prime Minister Henry is a transitional figure as the head of Haiti’s government. We, along with the international community, collaborate with Prime Minister Henry and his administration on various bilateral and multilateral issues.”
In their letter to the U.S. head of state, the senators also expressed concerns that the upcoming foreign mission could serve Ariel Henry’s “illegitimate and ineffective rule.”
In response to CTN’s editorial team, the spokesperson clarified that the multinational force should be “a multinational security support mission to help the Haitian National Police create a safe environment conducive to holding free and fair elections” in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2699.
Several former U.S. diplomats have accused Prime Minister Ariel Henry of involvement in the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise and of colluding with armed gangs in Haiti. This includes former U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Patrick Gaspard and former U.S. Special Envoy to Haiti Daniel Foote.
Asked to comment on these accusations, a spokesperson from the U.S. Department of State stated, “Regarding the investigation into President Moise’s assassination, the United States continues to support the search for justice and accountability for those who planned, financed, and perpetrated this heinous crime.”
Several individuals have already been sentenced by the U.S. judiciary in connection with the investigation into Jovenel Moise’s assassination.
The latest is former Senator John Joel Joseph, sentenced to life for his involvement in the planning and execution of the former president’s assassination.
In Haiti, examining magistrate Walter Voltaire continues his investigation, but very little progress has been made. Prime Minister Ariel Henry has, thus far, refused to answer the magistrate’s questions.
In this context, Kenya is preparing to deploy a first group of 300 soldiers to Haiti in February 2024. Training sessions are organized by the United Nations for the initial contingents, as revealed by Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who also emphasized that the multinational force should provide diplomatic, humanitarian support and enhance capacities in Haiti. “This includes helping Haiti embark on the path to sustainable development. And it includes creating a lasting political solution, with free, fair, transparent, and credible elections, which Haiti has not had since 2016,” clarified Linda Thomas-Greenfield.