PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haiti's presidential council officially stepped down on Saturday after nearly two years of tumultuous governance alongside U.S.-backed Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. The prime minister is expected to remain in office as the country gears up for its first general elections in a decade, despite significant challenges posed by gang violence and political instability.
Just days prior to the council’s dissolution, the United States deployed a warship and two Coast Guard vessels to waters near Haiti's capital, where gangs currently control approximately 90% of Port-au-Prince. Diego Da Rin, an analyst at the International Crisis Group, noted that this naval presence signals Washington's readiness to use force to influence political outcomes in the region.
In late January, two influential members of the presidential council indicated that a majority had voted to oust Prime Minister Fils-Aimé, disregarding calls from the U.S. government to maintain political stability in Haiti. Shortly afterward, the U.S. government announced visa revocations for four unnamed council members and a cabinet minister, further complicating the council's efforts.
The plan to remove Fils-Aimé, the reasons for which were not publicly disclosed, ultimately did not come to fruition as the council officially stepped down in a ceremony on Saturday. Outgoing president Laurent Saint-Cyr emphasized the need to set aside personal interests and focus on security and progress. Fils-Aimé, in his brief remarks, expressed that the council had facilitated governance that considered security and electoral matters.
Negotiations are reportedly ongoing to determine what will replace the dissolved council, as a new multinational security mission prepares to take over from a United Nations-backed operation led by Kenyan police, which has faced issues related to staffing and funding. Da Rin highlighted the importance of establishing clarity regarding governance in Haiti, as countries contributing to the security mission will seek to work with a legitimately recognized government.
The date of February 7 holds historical significance for Haiti, marking the beginning of democratic rule following a nearly 30-year dictatorship. It is also traditionally the date when presidents are sworn in. However, general elections that were anticipated to occur on Saturday did not take place due to rampant gang violence threatening the capital and significant regions of the country. While tentative election dates have been proposed for August and December, many experts remain skeptical about the feasibility of holding elections and potential runoffs this year.
The council was established in April 2024, nearly three years after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, which plunged the country into chaos. At that time, former Prime Minister Ariel Henry was unable to return to Haiti after a trip to Kenya due to a powerful gang coalition attacking key infrastructure, which included the closure of the main international airport for almost three months.
The formation of the council was a direct result of meetings among Caribbean leaders and U.S. officials in Jamaica aimed at creating a political transition framework following Henry's resignation. Members of the council had consistently vowed to combat gang violence and improve living conditions for Haitians but largely failed to deliver on those promises. Da Rin commented on the government's inability to confront the criminal gangs dominating much of Port-au-Prince and extending influence into other areas.
Moreover, the council faced accusations of corruption, including bribery allegations against three members reported by a governmental agency in late 2024. As the council made its exit on Saturday, André Joseph, a 42-year-old street vendor selling candy outside the council's offices, expressed relief, stating, "Their time is up. They were there nearly two years and didn’t do anything for the country." He conveyed his desire for a more competent government to lead Haiti towards a better future.
