Haiti: New PM Takes Office as Transition Council Fails to Restore Order

Port-au-Prince, Haiti – Haiti entered a period of political uncertainty on Saturday, February 7th, as the mandate of its transitional presidential council expired, leaving Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé as the sole executive authority. The dissolution of the council, established in April 2024 to restore stability amid escalating gang violence, comes after a tumultuous tenure marked by internal divisions and external pressure, particularly from the United States.

The council’s final act was to formally hand power back to Fils-Aimé, who had previously served as prime minister before the formation of the transitional body. Laurent Saint-Cyr, the council’s outgoing president, emphasized the need for security, political dialogue, and eventual elections, urging Fils-Aimé to prioritize these objectives. “The order of the day is clear: security, political dialogue, elections, stability,” Saint-Cyr stated during the handover ceremony.

This transition occurs against a backdrop of a deepening humanitarian and security crisis. Gangs control an estimated 90 percent of Port-au-Prince, and violence has claimed the lives of nearly 6,000 people in 2025 alone, according to United Nations figures. The country has not held elections since 2016 and remains without a president following the assassination of Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.

The council’s authority was significantly undermined in late January when a majority of its members reportedly voted to remove Fils-Aimé from office. This move defied calls from the U.S. Government, which had insisted on maintaining stability in the country’s leadership. Washington views Fils-Aimé as crucial to efforts to combat the gangs and restore order. The U.S. State Department issued a statement warning that any politicians supporting the “vicious gangs” would face consequences.

In a further demonstration of its commitment to the region, the United States deployed three warships to waters near Haiti’s capital earlier this week. Diego Da Rin, an analyst with the International Crisis Group, noted that this naval presence “appears to provide the latest proof of Washington’s willingness to use the threat of force to shape politics in the Western Hemisphere.”

The U.S. Government responded to the council’s attempt to oust Fils-Aimé by revoking the visas of four unidentified council members and a Cabinet minister. This action underscores the extent to which Washington is invested in the political stability of Haiti, and its preference for maintaining the status quo, at least in the short term.

While the council’s plan to remove Fils-Aimé appeared to falter before its dissolution, the underlying tensions remain. The reasons for the council’s initial move against the prime minister were not publicly disclosed. However, the decision to step down without a clear successor plan raises concerns about the future direction of the country.

Fils-Aimé, now holding sole executive power, faces the daunting task of navigating a deeply divided political landscape and organizing elections. He acknowledged the weight of his responsibilities, stating he would address the nation later on Saturday. The success of his efforts will depend on his ability to forge consensus among competing factions and address the root causes of the violence that has gripped the nation.

The international community remains deeply concerned about the situation in Haiti. The lack of a functioning government, coupled with the pervasive influence of gangs, creates a fertile ground for further instability and humanitarian suffering. The dissolution of the transitional council marks a critical juncture for Haiti, and the path forward remains uncertain.

The immediate priority for Fils-Aimé will be to secure the capital and create an environment conducive to holding free and fair elections. However, achieving this goal will require significant resources, international support, and a sustained commitment to addressing the underlying issues of poverty, inequality, and corruption that have fueled the crisis.

The departure of the transitional council also leaves unanswered questions about the future role of international actors in Haiti. While the U.S. Has demonstrated a willingness to exert influence, the long-term solution to Haiti’s problems will require a more comprehensive and collaborative approach involving regional partners and international organizations.