Uncertainty in Haiti as political parties reject proposal to install new leadership

After PM Ariel Henry's exit, uncertainty remains in Haiti's future as political parties reject the plan to create a presidential council that would manage the transition.

The transitional council would be responsible for selecting an interim prime minister and a council of ministers that would set a new path for the Caribbean country gripped with gang violence.

Due to the violence, life in Haiti has come to be standstill with schools and shops remaining closed, disrupting the common life.

High-profile Haitian politicians declined to participate in the proposed council. The Caribbean Community regional political bloc-Caricom gave the organisations, that were offered positions on the council, until Wednesday to submit the names of people who would represent them. However, no list was submitted on Wednesday.

Among the politicians, who declined, include Himmler Rbu, former colonel of Haiti's army and president of the Grand Rally for the Evolution of Haiti, a party that is part of a coalition awarded a spot on the transitional council. 

Rbu said in a statement that the party prefers a judge from Haiti's Supreme Court to assume the reins of power.

The nine-member council has seven positions with voting powers.

The remaining two non-voting positions would go to a member of Haiti's civil society and its religious sector.

Votes were offered to Pitit Desalin, Jean-Charles' party; EDE/RED, a party led by former Prime Minister Claude Joseph; the Montana Accord, a group of civil society leaders, political parties and others; Fanmi Lavalas, Aristide's party; the January 30 Collective, which represents parties including that of former President Michel Martelly; the December 21 Agreement, a group that backed Henry; and members of the private sector, reported the Associated Press.

Meanwhile, Henry remains in Puerto Rico as gang attacks have shuttered the country's airports.

The gang violence intensified on February 29 in Haiti during the absence of Henry. 

The PM was away in Kenya to push for the UN-backed deployment of a Kenyan police force.

Meanwhile, Jean Charles Mose, an ex-senator and presidential candidate who has teamed up with former rebel leader Guy Philippe, announced his rejection of the proposed council backed by the international community.

At a news conference on Wednesday, Mose insisted that a three-person presidential council he recently created with Philippe and a Haitian judge should be implemented.