By Laura Polynice
You may have heard that the acting prime minister of Haiti, Ariel Henry, resigned Monday (March 11). While he hasn’t officially resigned yet, he stated that he would resign once a transitional presidential committee is established. Now, you are probably asking, “What does this mean for Haiti?” While I am not an expert on Haitian politics, I will do my best to give a concise and unbiased summary of a very complex situation.
Has the acting prime minister stepped down?
After feeling international pressure, Ariel Henry accepted a proposition put forth by Haitian politicians that states Henry and his government would give up power and support the formation of a transitional presidential committee. Henry’s promise of resignation is contingent on these Haitian politicians creating a committee of seven individuals from the seven political parties to select a new interim prime minister and arrange presidential elections.
Most of the nation’s population has not been supportive of Henry as Prime Minister since he took power in 2021, as the events to bring him into this position were not constitutional. Civilian protests, opposing political parties, and terrorizing gangs have all been calling for Ariel Henry’s resignation. When gangs reached new levels of violence and control in an effort to prevent him from returning to Haiti after visiting Kenya earlier this month, the US urged Henry to expedite the transition of power.
It is unclear and impossible to predict if this turn of events will put Haiti on a path to healing and rebuilding or if it is just the next step in complete collapse and continued power struggles.
While the plan to form a multi-partisan committee and select an interim prime minister may be a fair and diplomatic plan, it is hard to imagine the seven political parties working together and agreeing on how to move the country forward. It is also a common sentiment that the politicians who have been involved in leading Haiti for the past few decades are, to some extent, responsible for getting Haiti into this mess. Will they be able to lead Haiti out of it? A large percentage of the Haitian population has lost trust in all politicians.
What does the future hold?
We hope and pray that a committee is selected that will have the nation’s best interests at heart, that fair elections will be arranged quicking to move the country forward, and that an honest and responsible leader will be appointed to bring security and peace to the country.
We hope and pray that the justice system will be strengthened so that criminals will be held responsible for their crimes no matter their position or status and that all the government institutions will be rebuilt to serve the people.
We hope and pray that the suffering ends and people can return to their homes and begin to heal from the trauma that they have experienced.
We hope and pray for a peaceful transition. The gangs still control the capital and many areas around the country, and there seem to be others vying for power who may not accept this diplomatic plan or any new government. There are still discussions happening to send in international forces to help establish peace in the country. This week, members of the Caribbean Community are meeting to discuss Haiti and the plan to send military support.
Thank you for standing with the people of Haiti through your prayers and awareness. We will continue to keep you updated on any developments.
How are the PLH programs and the staff in Haiti doing?
Hearing all of the news out of Haiti, you may be asking how the PLH program and staff in Haiti are doing. The programs are going strong! Youth gather everyday on the PLH campus to participate in soccer, basketball, and English and artisan classes. Adults from the community are being empowered and encouraged through the personal finance and parenting classes each Thursday and Friday. The PLH staff continues to maintain the campus, manage programs, and serve the community. The programs of PLH provide hope, encouragement, and education that is key to bringing about positive change in Haiti.
Our area remains fairly calm, banks continue to operate, and schools are open. Yet, the events in the nation weigh heavily on everyone and food and other resources can be difficult to find and expensive. In addition, our staff have suffered the loss of several close family members recently. Please keep them in your prayers.
For more on PLH, check out our recently released 2023 Annual Report.
What can you do to help?
If you are still reading, you may be asking what you can do to help. Here are a few ways you can help support positive change in Haiti:
Pray: There are serious battles happening in Haiti - physical and spiritual. Continue to pray for a new chapter for the country, for miraculous change of heart for those creating this suffering, for protection and healing for those suffering, and that God will be glorified! Join our Prayer List to receive special prayer emails.
Give: Support PLH or other organizations fighting to build a stronger Haiti. Give to support PLH programming.
Share: Share this news with your friends, family, church, and other networks. Forward this email or share on social media. Attend one of our upcoming Salons where you will watch a short video, learn more about Haiti’s situation, join in discussion with others passionate about Haiti and PLH, and enjoy some dessert! Invite others to join you! Events will be in Portland, Eugene, and Salem as well as online. Spring salon dates will be announced soon!
Thank you for partnering with us to empower Haitians to build a stronger Haiti!