Highlights: Haiti: demonstrations and blockades against Prime Minister Ariel Henry on the eve of February 7. Haitians are mobilizing against Ariel Henry who, they say, has done nothing to restore a security climate in the country. In an agreement signed on December 21, 2022, Ariel Henry committed to beginning a transition process after elections which should have taken place last year, and to leaving power on February 7, 2024. But for several weeks, the government has made it clear that its interim mandate would continue.

Haiti: demonstrations and blockades against Prime Minister Ariel Henry on the eve of February 7

In Haiti, growing uncertainty. This February 7, 2024 was to mark the entry into office of an elected government according to the agreement signed between Prime Minister Ariel Henry and Haitian actors. Haitians are mobilizing against Ariel Henry who, they say, has done nothing to restore a security climate in the country.

Listen - 01:15

Former senator of the Northern Department, Jean-Charles Moise, during a demonstration against the government and calls for the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, in Port-au-Prince, February 5, 2024. REUTERS - RALPH TEDY EROL

By: RFI Follow

With our correspondent in Port-au-Prince

Marie André Bélange

Strikes, demonstrations, street blockades. The Haitian capital and certain regions of Haiti have been experiencing a series of anti-government mobilizations for several days. Haitians no longer want Ariel Henry.

Jean Bonal Fatal is president of the Confederation of Workers in the Public and Private Sectors of Haiti. For him, it is clear, the Prime Minister must leave:

“

The

Constitution had provided that the interim period should not exceed 120 days, while the volume has already been in power for more than 30 months. The Constitution did not foresee such a scenario. Therefore, if there is no legal framework, there is no institutional framework. How to replace it? It is first of all by a consensus through a political agreement

. »

Because according to him, the agreement of December 21, 2022 has failed.

“

We cannot remain constantly attached to such an agreement and moreover the Montana agreement had provided the ways and means to emerge from the crisis. But the

international did not want this agreement to be applied

.”

Meanwhile, the country's security situation continues to deteriorate. Gangs are gaining ground, forcing more and more schools to close their doors.

Read alsoHaiti: day of mobilization to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry

Why did February 7 crystallize tensions in Haiti?

In an agreement signed on December 21, 2022, Ariel Henry committed to beginning a transition process after elections which should have taken place last year, and to leaving power on February 7, 2024.

But for several weeks, the government has made it clear that its interim mandate would continue. Until when ? No one knows. During an interview with RFI, Emmelie Prophète-Milcé, Minister of Justice and Public Security, considered that the law did not set an end to the mandate of the Prime Minister who wished to form a large government of national unity.

The opposition, as divided as it is, is at least in agreement on one point: Ariel Henry must keep his word and leave power this Wednesday.

To increase the pressure, political parties and unions are organizing demonstrations across the country. Guy Philippe, a former putschist, convicted in the United States, openly calls on the population, the police and the army to insurrection. He is supported by the BSAP, a brigade created to protect forests, but which has over the years transformed into an armed militia, of which no one knows how many men it has in its ranks.

Ariel Henry, if he is contested internally, can however count on essential support for his maintenance in power: that of donors such as the United States and France.

Read alsoPolitical transition in Haiti: “the Montana agreement is the most elaborate”

Haiti: demonstrations and blockades against Prime Minister Ariel Henry on the eve of February 7

Haiti: demonstrations and blockades against Prime Minister Ariel Henry on the eve of February 7

You may like

Trends 24h

Latest