In a significant political shift, Haiti has seen the transfer of power to Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime during a time of severe instability and escalating gang violence. This transition occurs amidst international scrutiny and efforts to restore order in the nation, which has faced ongoing challenges since the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise. The situation continues to highlight the complex dynamics of governance in Haiti and the involvement of foreign powers in its political landscape.
Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council has officially appointed Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime following two years marked by a governance crisis characterized by rampant gang violence that has claimed thousands of lives. The power transfer took place under stringent security measures due to the nation’s ongoing tumultuous political climate, reflecting the urgency of stabilizing the country.
This transition comes after internal tensions within the council, where several members recently attempted to oust Fils-Aime, prompting a strong reaction from the United States, which included visa restrictions on four council members and a cabinet minister. The U.S. has also increased its military presence in the region, deploying a warship and two Coast Guard vessels near Port-au-Prince, where gangs currently control an estimated 90 percent of the territory.
During an official ceremony, council President Laurent Saint-Cyr addressed Fils-Aime, emphasizing the significant responsibility he has undertaken as the sole executive power in the country. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the importance of Fils-Aime’s leadership to combat the violent gangs that have plagued Haiti and to initiate much-needed stabilization efforts on the island.
Fils-Aime now confronts the formidable challenge of organizing Haiti’s first general elections in a decade. The Transitional Presidential Council, established in 2024 amid ongoing political crises following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, has faced accusations of infighting and corruption, ultimately failing to meet its objectives of quelling gang violence and enhancing living conditions for Haitians.
Despite Fils-Aime’s authorization to lead federal elections, the council has consistently postponed voting schedules, with no nominees selected for the presidency by the intended deadlines. Although tentative election dates were proposed for August and December, many observers regard the likelihood of holding these elections as slim.
The United Nations reported that nearly 6,000 people were killed in gang-related violence in Haiti last year, and around 1.4 million individuals have been displaced due to the ongoing turmoil. An international security force has been sanctioned to support local law enforcement efforts in restoring peace, but over two years in, less than 1,000 troops—primarily from Kenya—have been deployed. The UN aims to have a more substantial force of 5,500 troops present in the country by mid-year, or at the latest, by November.
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