Post by : Saif Rahman

The political landscape in Haiti is becoming more tumultuous as two prominent leaders declare their intent to proceed with the ousting of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, disregarding strong objections from the United States. This rift underscores the prevailing discord within Haiti's leadership during a time when the nation grapples with rampant violence, disorganized institutions, and an unclear political course.

Leslie Voltaire and Edgard Leblanc Fils, key figures in Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, assert their right to dismiss Fils-Aime, whom they appointed in November 2024. They maintain that the council is empowered to annulling decisions and establishing a new governmental structure through an official decree.

Established in 2024, the Transitional Presidential Council was intended to steer Haiti toward its first national elections in nearly a decade. However, the electoral process has faced numerous delays, primarily due to encroaching gang violence that has dominated significant areas, particularly in Port-au-Prince.

Fils-Aime has adamantly resisted these removal attempts. Addressing attendees at a police graduation ceremony, he insisted that neither political criminals nor street gangs will dictate the rule of law. His message was clear: any challenges to state authority will be met with resolute action.

The U.S. government has firmly opposed the proposed ousting. Officials argue that retaining Fils-Aime in his position is crucial for the ongoing struggle against powerful gangs that disrupt daily life across Haiti. At the police event, the U.S. envoy in Haiti iterated the importance of the prime minister’s stabilization efforts.

In a direct conversation with Fils-Aime, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the necessity of maintaining stability, warning that Haitian politicians found complicit in corruption could face severe repercussions. Washington has also made its position clear that the Transitional Presidential Council is expected to dissolve when its mandate concludes on February 7, with no discernible transition plan made public yet.

Internally, the council is showing signs of fracture. Reports suggest that five out of nine members have endorsed a motion to remove the prime minister, yet this resolution remains unpublished in Haiti’s official gazette, rendering it ineffective. Voltaire announced a temporary halt to this initiative to facilitate consensus among political factions but also indicated that the council would determine a new directive if no agreement is reached.

Both Voltaire and Leblanc Fils expressed their discontent towards the United States, alleging a lack of respect for Haiti's sovereignty and insisting that external governments should not dictate the country's leadership.

The council's brief tenure has been marred by infighting, corruption claims, and deteriorating security. Last year, a local court rejected corruption charges against various council members, ruling that they were shielded by their official roles. Such incidents have eroded public trust and cast doubt on the council's legitimacy.

Finance Minister Alfred Metellus has emerged as a potential candidate for Fils-Aime's replacement, given his experience as a public servant and consultancy at an international development bank. However, any leadership change at this juncture could exacerbate an already precarious situation.

As Haiti grapples with escalating gang violence, political chaos, and an absence of elections, the battle over the prime minister’s fate highlights the vulnerabilities embedded in the country’s leadership. The next few weeks will prove crucial in determining whether the council will go through with the ousting or retreat in light of international pressure, significantly impacting Haiti's future stability.

#Political News #Politics News #World News