Haiti is undergoing significant political upheaval amid a deepening crisis. In the span of a month, both the Presidency of the Transitional Council (CPT) and the office of Prime Minister have changed hands, reflecting ongoing instability at the highest levels of government. Meanwhile, the security situation has worsened, with armed groups gaining ground and violent incidents disrupting daily life, including the suspension of all international flights. These challenges are compounded by allegations of corruption within the CPT, further eroding public trust in the transitional leadership. The newly appointed Prime Minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, now faces immense pressure to address the spiralling crises and restore hope for the nation’s future.
Over the past month, significant changes have occurred at the highest levels of the Haitian government, which operates under a dual executive system as outlined in the Constitution: a president and a prime minister. On October 7, 2024, Mr. Leslie Voltaire replaced Mr. Edgard Leblanc Fils as President of the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) as part of the rotational presidency agreed upon by this collegial body. On November 11, Mr. Alix Didier Fils-Aimé assumed the position of Prime Minister, succeeding Mr. Garry Conille, who was dismissed after five months in office due to a serious conflict with the CPT. A new cabinet was also appointed, with some ministers retained from the previous government, but several key figures, such as Foreign Minister Dominique Dupuy, were ousted after clashing openly with the CPT.
When, in April 2024, the majority of Haiti’s political parties—mediated by CARICOM—finally reached an agreement establishing the CPT alongside a prime minister to govern the country, the population felt a sense of relief. Despite initial concerns about the composition of the CPT, there was hope that the new leadership would focus on combating gang influence and dismantling armed groups, especially as the first troops of the Multinational Security Assistance Force (MMAS), led by Kenya, were about to arrive. Expectations were high for the government to aid displaced persons, restore the country, and lay the groundwork for democratic elections.
However, disillusionment quickly followed. Prime Minister Conille failed to deliver on many promises, offering little beyond social media posts, photoshopped visuals, and frequent foreign trips. Meanwhile, the CPT made minimal progress in decision-making, as if the machinery of the Haitian state had ground to a halt. Then came a scandal: three members of the presidential council were implicated in an influence-peddling scheme aimed at retaining the president of a state bank.
Rather than addressing the pressing needs of the population, public attention turned to the embattled CPT, with widespread demands for the resignation of the three implicated advisors. Despite a damning report from the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC), these individuals were merely excluded from the rotational presidency but retained their positions, privileges, and decision-making power, pending a judicial ruling. The inability of other council members to dismiss them, coupled with general reluctance to confront the issue, has weakened the CPT’s credibility.
It is in this context that Mr. Leslie Voltaire, representing the Fanmi Lavalas party, assumed a six-month term as head of the council, replacing one of the sidelined advisors. This corruption controversy has further undermined the CPT, fueling opposition from factions that had been critical of the council from the start. These critics advocate for a Supreme Court judge to lead the country, arguing that the CPT structure is overly cumbersome and expensive.
The appointment of the new Prime Minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, on November 11, 2024, was executed swiftly, despite Mr. Conille’s failed attempts to block the transition. Meanwhile, the security situation continues to deteriorate. During Conille’s five-month tenure, Haiti experienced some of its worst massacres, with armed groups expanding their control to the point of firing at planes over Port-au-Prince. On the same day as Fils-Aimé’s inauguration, a similar incident led to the suspension of all international flights to and from Port-au-Prince. The country is effectively paralyzed once again.
Mr. Fils-Aimé, a 53-year-old businessman with limited political experience but extensive business connections, now faces an extraordinary challenge. His government, formed after lengthy negotiations, has significant work ahead. The Haitian population, weary and frustrated, demands concrete action to combat insecurity and corruption before placing any trust in the new leadership.
Will he succeed in offering Haiti new hope and direction? The coming days will provide the answer.
