Violence Forces Venue Change For Haiti Council Swearing In

A new body tasked with forming Haiti’s next government will swear in its members on Thursday, as violence continues in the capital.

A swathe of recent gang violence forced officials to move the ceremony from the National Palace to the outgoing prime minister’s office.

Ariel Henry said last month that he would resign after armed groups blocked his return to the country.

The gangs are in control of most of the capital, Port-au-Prince.

They have capitalised on the power vacuum left by the prime minister’s exit and expanded their control over swathes of the country, which has effectively been rendered lawless in places.

Ariel Henry resigned after being prevented from returning from Kenya, where he had signed a deal to import a multinational security force in a bid to restore law and order.

His departure has left Haiti, an impoverished Caribbean nation home to more than 11 million people, without a prime minister from 12 March.

A newly formed transitional council, expected to name an interim prime minister, has since scrambled to impose tight security measures ahead of a ceremony swearing in its nine members.

The council was established to draw up a plan to return Haiti to democratic rule, and is backed by other Caribbean nations and the US.

Gunfire heard near the National Palace, where the ceremony was due to take place, forced a change of venue to the prime minister’s office, known as Villa d’Accueil.

On Wednesday, police used tear gas to disperse crowds surrounding the streets near palace.

Gangs who have previously attacked the palace had promised to derail the ceremony, with one of Haiti’s most powerful gang leaders issuing a threat in a video message posted to social media that appeared to be aimed at the council.

“Whether or not you’re installed, this message is for you: Brace yourselves,” Jimmy Cherizier warned.

Chérizier, also known as Barbecue, is the most prominent figure in a loose alliance of gangs known as Viv Ansanm (Live Together), which is in control of around 80% of Port-au-Prince.