Haiti's long-running political crisis deepened on Friday when the country's transitional presidential council announced it had voted to fire Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, just two weeks before the panel is supposed to step down.
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pbs.orglocal10.comEdgard Leblanc Fils made the announcement during a news conference alongside fellow council member Leslie Voltaire.He stated that a majority of the panel took this action in a vote on Thursday, openly defying calls from the US government to maintain stability in the Caribbean nation's leadership.
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abcnews.go.comapnews.comThe US State Department had emphasized that keeping Fils-Aimé in his position was "integral" to Haiti's efforts to combat the gangs that have been terrorizing the country.It warned that any politicians supporting these gangs would face significant consequences.
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pbs.orgLeblanc did not provide specific reasons for the council's decision to dismiss Fils-Aimé, who had been appointed to the role in November 2024.However, he assured that the council would appoint a replacement within 30 days to restore security and stability, and to enable a new cycle of development.
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local10.comapnews.comVoltaire expressed that the council recognized Fils-Aimé's enthusiasm and capability but noted, "the population doesn't get what it needs." He stated that although the council is preparing to exit, they aim to ensure that a capable government succeeds Fils-Aimé.
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pbs.orgThe political instability is compounded by the urgent need for general elections, which have not been held in a decade.Tentative dates for the elections have been set for August and December of this year, marking the first presidential elections since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.
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abcnews.go.comwashingtontimes.comGang violence has escalated significantly since Moïse's assassination, with reports indicating that armed groups control approximately 90% of Port-au-Prince and large areas of the country's central region.The United Nations reported over 8,100 killings across the nation from January to November last year, warning that these figures are likely underreported.
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pbs.orglocal10.comLeblanc urged political organizations, civil society, and the religious sector to collaborate in determining the best governance approach for Haiti after February 7, the date when the council is expected to dissolve.
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abcnews.go.comMichael Deibert, an expert on Haitian politics, cautioned that if the council fails to step down by the scheduled date, it could lead to increased volatility and uncertainty in a country already grappling with severe crises of violence and insecurity.
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pbs.orgHe noted that political alliances in Haiti are often changeable, suggesting that more upheaval could surface in the coming weeks.
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apnews.comCurrently, it remains unclear if the council's leader, Laurent Saint-Cyr, supports the dismissal of Fils-Aimé.He previously stated that he opposes actions that would undermine the government's stability ahead of the council's planned dissolution.
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pbs.orgOn the same day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed US support for Haiti's stability and security during a conversation with Fils-Aimé.He emphasized that to combat ongoing gang violence, consistent and robust leadership is essential, alongside the full backing of the Haitian populace.
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apnews.comRubio also reiterated that the council must be dissolved by February 7, ensuring that corrupt actors do not impede Haiti's path to legitimate governance.
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local10.comapnews.comAs tensions rise, the situation in Haiti remains fluid, with many eyes on the transitional council's next moves and the potential implications for the country's future.
