Haiti: Call for Resistance and Solidarity with the Haitian People for a Transitional Government
On February 7, originally intended to mark the inauguration of the first democratically elected Haitian leader since the assassination of Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, is marred by the absence of elections and the breach of the agreement signed in December 2022 between Prime Minister Ariel Henry and the opposition. This breach has triggered protests throughout the country. Concurrently, the violence of criminal gangs prevails in Port-au-Prince and several cities nationwide.
Haiti, February 6, 2024 | The “4 Je Kontre” platform, comprising the National Peasant Movement of the Papaye Congress (MPNKP), Tet Kole Ti Peyizan Ayisyen (TK), the Peasant Movement of Papaye (MPP), and the Regional Coordination of Southeast Organizations (KROS), takes this opportunity to commend the resilience and determination of the Haitian people against the authoritarian PHTK regime. This regime is led by de facto Prime Minister Ariel Henry, other unscrupulous government members, and their national and international allies. A comprehensive analysis of Haiti’s dire situation reveals that criminal acts by armed gangs and unscrupulous criminals persist, hindering nationwide mobilization against the regime. Increased insecurity has been documented in areas where the population is subjected to kidnappings, massacres, property fires, and the rape of women and girls, among other atrocities.
The population is grappling with an economically challenging period, marked by a soaring cost of living. Essential goods continue to escalate in price, while Ariel Henry’s de facto government allocates significant funds to finance gangs and mercenaries within the National Police to maintain its grip on power. The international community, represented by BINUH, the Core Group, and the United Nations, persists in supporting the de facto government, adopting delaying tactics to keep Ariel in power, despite widespread public discontent and dissatisfaction with political institutions. Ariel and his cohorts have declared their intention to relinquish power after holding elections, despite various sectors of national life proposing a Haitian solution to the crisis in Haiti. Unfortunately, no progress has been made as Ariel Henry obstructs all initiatives aiming to displace his government.
For over two years, Ariel Henry has advocated for elections under the premise that PHTK could renew itself, detrimentally affecting the population through increased taxes, rising fuel prices, and the diversion of public funds to ineffective social aid programs. We emphatically declare that this situation is untenable, and we must vehemently strive to overturn the system and all supporting forces at the expense of the people.
In this context, all member organizations of “4 Je Kontre” endorse the Montana proposal, advocating for a complete break and the establishment of a dual-headed transitional government, projected to last between 18 and 24 months. This government aims to pave the way by establishing an impartial electoral council, free from U.S. influence and any international communit interference. Additionally, the transitional government will endeavor to ensure security across the national territory, enabling free movement for the population.
“4 Je Kontre” will steadfastly continue to support all positive actions and demands from other progressive sectors aimed at toppling the de facto government and its allies.
LONG LIVE SOVEREIGN HAITI!
LONG LIVE THE PEOPLE’S STRUGGLE FOR A HAITIAN SOLUTION FOR HAITI!
LONG LIVE SOLIDARITY AMONG ALL PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZATIONS FIGHTING FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE!
This press release has been prepared by the member organizations of La Via Campesina in Haiti, including Mouvman Peyizan Nasyonal Kongre Papay (MPNKP), Mouvman Peyizan Papay (MPP), and Tet Kole Ti Peyizan Ayisyen (TK), in collaboration with the Regional Coordination of Southeast Organizations (KROS). These organizations collectively form the platform “4 Je Kontre” in Haiti.
