Thursday January 18, 2024, Louise Mushikiwabo, the Secretary General of La Francophonie, brought together the restricted ad hoc advisory committee of the OIF on the situation in Haiti : a massive international mobilization in support of the stability of the country.

Objectives of the restricted ad hoc advisory committee :

1 - Strengthen the understanding of the crisis : The Committee will enrich the understanding of the OIF by combining the views of researchers, political actors, civil society, development partners and international observers, thus contributing to adjusting action in favor of a return to constitutional legality and peaceful political life in Haiti.

2 - Encourage greater mobilization: The Secretary General encourages mobilization of the French-speaking community and the African Union in support of Haiti. Priority areas include the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMAS) and political prospects for ending the crisis.

As part of this meeting, representatives of member States and Governments of La Francophonie, as well as partner organizations of the OIF involved in promoting peace and stability in Haiti: the Organization of American States (OAS), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the United Nations (UN), the African Union. The United States of America, a key player, was also represented by Michele Sison, Under Secretary of State for International Organizations at the United States Department of State.

The intense exchanges and testimonies highlighted the scale of the challenge ahead and the need for concerted collaboration to implement urgent and effective action in favor of the Haitian people.

A pressing appeal was launched by all the representatives present in favor of collective mobilization in support of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMAS), aimed at responding quickly and effectively to urgent needs in terms of security and humanitarian assistance to Haiti.

Announcements and pledges of contributions were made by representatives of the States and Governments present including France, Canada, Quebec, Benin among others, as well as non-member States invited for the occasion such as Japan, Brazil and the United States of America, to contribute to the security of the Haitian populations and promote a democratic process towards an end to the crisis.

All participants recalled that the solutions belong, first and foremost, to Haitians but also expressed their support for the initiative carried by the Secretary General of La Francophonie in favor of coordinated and active international solidarity for peace and stability in Haiti.

Speakers :

Olushegun ADJADI BAKARY, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Benin

Ms Michèle ORIOL, doctor in sociology

Ms. Maria-Isabel SALVADOR, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and Head of BINUH

Ms. Liliane MASSALA, Personal Representative of Gabon to the OIF, Ambassador of the Gabonese Republic to France

Cristobal DUPOUY, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the OAS in Haiti

Colin GRANDERSON, Special Advisor to the Secretary General of the initiative of the José Julio GOMEZ, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic Mr. Bankole ADEOYE, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the Commission of the African Union

HL/ HaitiLibre