Ariel Henry to take over as Haitian PM amid power struggle

Santo Domingo: Claude Joseph, who had previously served as prime minister and seized political control after the shocking assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, will step down and hand over power to neurosurgeon and politician Ariel Henry, the country's Electoral Affairs confirmed.

As per a report by the Xinhua news agency, Henry and Joseph have been discussing the formation of a new government for several days, leading to new authorities taking office on Monday, with the acting Prime Minister becoming the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Henry was named Prime Minister in a decree signed by Moise two days before he was killed but was not sworn in, the Electoral Affairs said on Monday.

In a brief address to the nation posted online Sunday night, Henry called for political unity and said he would soon announce a consensus government that will lead the country until elections can be held to elect a new president.

"I have the honour to address you in my capacity as prime minister, to launch a solemn appeal for national unity, for the union of our forces and for the cooperation of all to stop this race towards the abyss, to climb the slope and to protect our country from the many dangers that threaten it," he said.

According to press reports, there will be no President of Haiti, since the new government will organise general elections as soon as possible.

Monday's agreement comes 48 hours after representatives of the UN and the US in Haiti, as well as a group of foreign ambassadors that make up the so-called Core Group, urged Henry on Saturday to form a consensual and inclusive government.

Henry, a prestigious neurosurgeon considered to have a moderate and conciliatory stance, will lead the government starting from Tuesday, amid unrest unleashed by Moise's murder.

The 71-year-old surgeon has previous experience in government, having served in the cabinet from 2015 to 2016 during Michel Martelly's term as President and, previously, as a member of the Council of Wise Men.

Moise was assassinated on July 7 at his residence by a commando of mercenaries.

At least 28 people participated in the murder of the Haitian President, including 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans.