Violence erupted in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, on Thursday, with notable incidents including the fatal shooting of a gang leader, as political factions moved closer to establishing a transition council to assume control in the absence of a functioning government.
In a police operation, Ernst Julme, also known as Ti Greg and the head of the Delmas 95 gang, was killed. This incident followed the previous day’s killing of another gang leader, indicating a resurgence of vigilantism, as confirmed by police and sources familiar with the matter.
The demise of Julme, a key member of gang leader Jimmy “Barbeque” Cherizier’s “Viv Ansanm” alliance, represents a setback for gangs seeking to expand their influence in the city. Notably, Julme had recently escaped from Haiti’s largest prison during a mass breakout.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed satisfaction with reports suggesting that political groups had finalized the selection of members for a transitional council empowered to assume presidential responsibilities until upcoming elections, according to a U.N. spokesperson.
This council, aimed at bringing together Haiti’s fractured political factions, is tasked with appointing a successor to Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who tendered his resignation on March 11 due to escalating gang violence, which prevented his return to the country.
Deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq stated during a media briefing, “The Secretary-General welcomes reports indicating that Haitian stakeholders have nominated representatives to the Transitional Presidential Council.”
The transition plan, facilitated in Jamaica by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in collaboration with representatives from Haiti’s government and opposition, saw CARICOM release a list of political groups slated to be represented in the council.
Despite expectations that the nine-member council would be finalized shortly after Henry’s resignation, certain Haitian political factions struggled to unite behind a single representative.