Haiti’s presidential council officially dissolved on February 3, 2024, marking the end of nearly two years of contentious governance alongside Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. The council’s departure occurs as the nation prepares for its first general elections in a decade, amid increasing instability and gang violence that has engulfed much of Port-au-Prince.
The dissolution follows a turbulent period characterized by the council’s struggle to maintain order. Just days prior, the United States deployed a warship and two Coast Guard vessels to the waters near the capital, highlighting Washington’s ongoing involvement in Haiti’s political landscape. Diego Da Rin, an analyst with the International Crisis Group, noted that this naval presence underscores the U.S. willingness to leverage military power to influence politics in the region.
In late January, the council was rocked by internal dissent as two of its prominent members announced a majority vote to oust Fils-Aimé. This move defied calls from the U.S. government to preserve the fragile political stability in Haiti. Shortly thereafter, the U.S. announced visa revocations for four unidentified council members and a cabinet minister, further complicating the political landscape.
During the official ceremony marking the council’s end, outgoing president Laurent Saint-Cyr emphasized the need to prioritize national security over personal interests, rejecting the push to dismiss Fils-Aimé. “We need to put our personal interest to the side and continue progress for security,” he stated. Fils-Aimé, addressing the nation briefly, claimed that the council had paved the way for governance focused on security and electoral issues.
Challenges Ahead for Haiti
The future governance of Haiti remains uncertain as discussions unfold regarding a possible replacement for the council. Da Rin pointed out that negotiations are ongoing for a new multinational security mission, which aims to replace an undersourced and underfunded UN-backed initiative led by Kenyan police. “Clarity on who will govern Haiti is essential,” he wrote in a recent essay, indicating that contributing countries to the multinational force would require assurance of an undisputed government.
February 7 holds historical significance for Haiti, marking the anniversary of the beginning of democratic rule after nearly 30 years of dictatorship. This date has traditionally been associated with presidential inaugurations, yet the country failed to conduct the planned elections as gang violence continues to destabilize regions across the capital and central areas.
Established in April 2024, the council was formed in the wake of the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, which plunged Haiti into chaos. The previous Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, faced immense challenges, including a powerful gang coalition that had led to the closure of the main international airport for nearly three months due to widespread violence.
Despite the council’s ambitious goals of curbing gang violence and improving living conditions, it ultimately fell short. “The government has been unable to push back criminal gangs that control most of Port-au-Prince and have expanded into other areas,” noted Da Rin. The council also faced allegations of corruption, with accusations of bribery against three of its members surfacing in late 2024.
As the council stepped down, residents expressed frustration over the lack of progress. André Joseph, a 42-year-old street vendor living in a makeshift shelter, articulated the sentiments of many Haitians. “Their time is up. They were there nearly two years and didn’t do anything for the country,” he remarked. Joseph, one of 1.4 million people displaced by gang violence, called for a new government that could lead Haiti toward a better future.
As Haiti navigates this transitional period, the need for effective leadership and security remains paramount for its citizens.
