The United States has given Haitian factions 24 hours to produce a representative at the transitional council that is set to take over following the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
According to Reuters, a United States Department official disclosed that the transitional council would comprise a religious leader, a civil society representative, a Haitian faction representative, and members from various political and business sectors.
The official further stated that the council would be tasked with appointing the interim prime minister and establishing a council to oversee the electoral process.
As of now, Jimmy Cherizier, a former police officer and gang leader of the G9 and Family faction, has not issued any official communication regarding the matter.
Cherizier reigned terror in the country following Henry's flight to Kenya to sign an agreement for the deployment of 1,000 officers in a peacekeeping mission.
He had warned Henry not to return to the country and tender his resignation, calling for freedom for the Haitian citizens.
Haiti Situation After Henry's Resignation
On Tuesday, March 12, the situation in Port-au-Prince easened with armed men retreating from the country's main airport.
Further, the main cargo port reopened and several government offices resumed operations. Evacuations were also ongoing as helicopters landed at the capital to fly international visitors and dignitaries out of the country.
United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric noted that the global body was opting to reduce the number of non-essential personnel in Haiti.
The United States had piled pressure on Henry to accelerate plans to conduct free and fair elections. Following protests by the Haitian factions, Henry announced that he would resign to pave the way for the elections.
"The government that I'm leading will resign immediately after the installation of a council. I'm asking all Haitians to remain calm and do everything they can for the peace and stability to come back as fast as possible," Henry stated on Monday.
Henry's resignation also affected the peacekeeping mission as Foreign Affairs PS Sing'oei Korir confirmed that the deployment of 1,000 police officers to Haiti was put on hold.
