November 30, 2018 — The consultors of the territory of Haiti published a strong and constructive statement of their position, which invites those who are active in Haitian society to search for a way out of the crisis by prioritizing the higher interests of the Haitian nation.
There are many and divergent positions regarding the resolution of the political crisis.
- The opposition, calling itself “the popular democratic sector”, demands the resignation, pure and simple, of the Head of State. Others opt for a cabinet shuffle and the departure of the Prime Minister. Others are in favor of a national dialogue. For its part the government appeals for dialogue with the different actors and a disarmament of the armed gangs.
- The international sector, including the Core Group and the North American government, does not support the shut-down of the government, condemns the violence and calls for dialogue and respect for the democratic process.
- Organizations of business leaders, such as the Forum Economique, some voices within the protesters, call for dialogue and reject the option of the resignation of the President of the Republic.
Two main trends stand out: first, which is more of an institutional approach, stands on the side of dialogue, of social and political de-escalation. The second opts for the resignation of the President and of the government, and for the formation of an inclusive transitional government in anticipation of the “petro-caribe” process, the holding of a national conference and the organization of new elections. We are then facing a veritable polarization of the political scenario and the population is being held hostage.
The Jesuits of Haiti propose seven possible solutions for a way out of the crisis:
- We strongly call upon all those implicated in the current crisis to show selflessness and to prioritize the higher interests of the Haitian nation;
- We appeal to all citizens of other nations, especially those in the more powerful countries on the planet, to stand in solidarity with Haiti through their organizations, communications, and any other means at their disposal;
- While recognizing the structural violence of which the majority of the population have always been victims, we condemn with all our strength violence of any form as a means of resolving conflicts;
- We urgently invite international actors, especially the Core Group, the government of the United States of America, International Organizations present in the country, etc., to become aware of their great responsibility in the tragedy that this people is experiencing and to accompany them sincerely, over and above strategic, commercial, and political interests, in the search for viable and lasting solutions and in the construction of a State of law;
- We exhort business leaders and the major economic players in general to see the light and to make a firm, sincere and patriotic commitment to offering an effective contribution to building a more just, more equitable, and more prosperous Haitian society;
- We invite those who hold high offices of the State, notably those with Executive Power, and especially the President of the Republic, Mr. Iovenel MOÃSE, the Prime Minister, Mr Jean Henri CÉANT, to listen with a patriotic spirit to the cries of the population, to be open to a sincere dialogue with all those who are the lifeblood of the nation, and to make decisions that align with the basic aspirations of this suffering people.
- Finally, we appeal to the media moguls, to those who shape public opinion, especially to the ANMH, the AML, the AJH, etc., and to the state media, to exercise scrupulous respect for journalistic ethics with a view to effective citizen participation in the building of our democracy.
