Claude Joseph, Former Acting Prime Minister of Haiti
Former prime minister says violent gangs should have no role in Haiti鈥檚 political future
The former Acting Prime Minister of Haiti has told 大象传媒 HARDtalk that gangs should play no part in the political future of his country and that elections should be held after a transitionary period of 12 to 18 months.
The Caribbean nation is in the midst of a humanitarian and political crisis after gangs launched coordinated attacks on key facilities to force the resignation of the country's prime minister Ariel Henry.
In total, more than 350,000 people have been internally displaced in Haiti - more than 15,000 of them in the last fortnight. Around 80% of the capital city is estimated to be under gang control.
Speaking to Stephen Sackur from the capital Port-au-Prince, Claude Joseph said, 鈥榯he gangs are strong because the state is weak.鈥�
Politicians and business leaders in Haiti are trying to negotiate the make up of a transitional council to govern the nation after Ariel Henry stands down.
Mr Joseph said any such transition should be time-limited. 鈥業t should be 12 months or maximum 18 months and then they should organise elections to give a voice to the people.鈥�
He said that gangs and their leaders should play no role in the country鈥檚 political future. 鈥榃e cannot have a transition that will reward those who have been killing people, those who kidnapped so many people in Haiti and killed them,鈥� he said.
Mr Joseph served as Haiti鈥檚 Acting Prime Minister from April-July 2021 in the wake of the assassination of President Jovenel Mo茂se. Mr Henry was appointed his successor.
Last month Mr Joseph was indicted by a judge for complicity in the case. He denies any involvement and told HARDtalk that his was a 鈥榩olitical indictment鈥� and that Ariel Henry was 鈥榳eaponizing the justice system鈥� against him. Mr Henry denies any involvement in the indictment.
