Haiti's New Prime Minister Appointment Raises Concerns over Political Instability amid Ongoing Gang Violence

The announcement of Fritz Bélizaire as Haiti's new prime minister has created divisions within the transitional council, threatening to further destabilize the country amidst escalating gang violence and political turmoil.

Haiti's political landscape has been thrown into turmoil following the surprise appointment of Fritz Bélizaire as prime minister. The decision, made by four of seven council members with voting powers, has sparked outrage and accusations of political maneuvering.

The transitional council was established to select new leaders for Haiti, a country crippled by gang violence and political instability. However, the unexpected announcement of Bélizaire's appointment has raised concerns that the council's plans are at risk of unraveling.

The council members who oppose Bélizaire are considering their options, including potentially challenging the decision or resigning from the council. They accuse the four supporting members of violating the council's political accord and considering alternative candidates for prime minister.

The Montana Accord, a civil society group represented on the council, has denounced the appointment as a "conspiracy" against the Haitian people. It alleges that political and economic forces are attempting to seize control of the council and government.

Haitian politics have long been marred by secretive dealings, but many fear that the country cannot afford further political instability. Gangs have laid siege to the capital, Port-au-Prince, and beyond, leaving the population in fear.

Analysts believe that Jean-Charles Moïse, a powerful politician and former senator, may be behind Bélizaire's nomination. Moïse is known for his controversial tactics and is not a member of the council himself. His party, Pitit Desalin, is represented by Emmanuel Vertilaire, one of the four council members who support Bélizaire.

The other three council members in favor of Bélizaire are Louis Gérald Gilles, Smith Augustin, and Edgard Leblanc Fils, who was also named as the council's new president. They have not yet publicly commented on the accusations against them.

A document obtained by The Associated Press shows that the four council members who chose Bélizaire agreed to make decisions by consensus. The document is titled, "Constitution of an Indissoluble Majority Bloc within the Presidential Council."

The Fanmi Lavalas party has condemned the appointment as a "masquerade" and "conspiracy" to keep PHTK allies in power. They accuse the council members of betraying the people of Haiti.

The January 30 political group, represented by Fils, includes former President Michel Martelly and slain President Jovenel Moïse. Augustin represents the EDE/RED political party, founded by former Prime Minister Claude Joseph, while Gilles represents the Dec. 21 agreement, associated with former Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

Henry was on a visit to Kenya seeking support for a U.N.-backed police deployment when Haiti was engulfed in a wave of gang attacks in late February. He resigned shortly after.

Amidst the violence, Haitians demand security as the council's top priority. They tasked the council with selecting a new prime minister and Cabinet, as well as preparing for general elections. However, many are skeptical of the council's motives given its members' past political affiliations.

Experts and analysts warn that the council is dominated by the same political forces responsible for Haiti's current crisis. They fear that the appointment of Bélizaire may perpetuate the cycle of instability and violence that has plagued the country.

As gang violence continues unabated in parts of Port-au-Prince, Haitians are demanding a change in leadership and a return to peace and security. It remains to be seen whether the transitional council can fulfill its mandate amidst the ongoing political turmoil and the growing humanitarian crisis.