News|PoliticsHaiti officials announce plan to oust prime minister, deepening US standoffTransitional Presidential Council says plans to remove Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, flouting warnings from US.
The Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) of Haiti has announced plans to remove Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, despite warnings from the United States against such actions.
The Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) of Haiti has announced plans to remove Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, despite warnings from the United States against such actions.
This announcement intensifies the ongoing tension with the United States regarding Haiti's leadership amidst continued delays in elections caused by escalating gang violence and instability within the country.
Leslie Voltaire, a member of the TPC, stated at a news conference that the council originally appointed Prime Minister Fils-Aime in November 2024 and plans to issue a new decree to appoint a new prime minister, government, and presidency. The decision to remove Fils-Aime was supported by five out of nine council members but has not yet been published in the official gazette, a necessary step for legal validation.
The TPC was formed in 2024 as a response to the political crisis following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021. Internal conflicts and allegations of corruption quickly emerged within the council, which previously removed Prime Minister Garry Conille, replacing him with Fils-Aime.
The TPC was formed in 2024 as a response to the political crisis following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021.
The council, assigned to develop a framework for federal elections, has delayed elections initially planned to elect a new president by February. Tiered federal elections are now scheduled to commence in August, with the council's mandate set to conclude on February 7.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of Fils-Aime's continued role in combating gang violence and stabilizing Haiti. He stated that the TPC should dissolve by February 7 without interference from corrupt actors. The U.S. embassy in Haiti also issued warnings on social media to politicians supporting gangs, indicating repercussions for such actions.
The U.S. has previously imposed visa restrictions on a Haitian official for associations with criminal organizations. TPC member Fritz Alphonse Jean identified himself as the target of these restrictions, denying the allegations and indicating pressure from the U.S. and Canada.
Haiti continues to face severe internal displacement and food insecurity due to gang violence. A recent United Nations report highlighted an increase in violence, with an estimated 8,100 people killed between January and November of the previous year.
Carlos Ruiz-Massieu of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) emphasized the urgency of restoring democratic institutions to address the country's challenges effectively.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.