US Backs Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimè

WASHINGTON, DC - The United States has re-affirmed its support for Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimè after he assumed leadership of the interim government in the country following the end of the mandate of the Provisional Transitional Council (CPT) last Saturday.

Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimè , flanked by members of the security forces addressing the nation (CMC Photo)“The United States takes note of the peaceful transfer of power by the coordinator of the Provisional Transitional Council (CPT), Laurent Saint-Cyr, to Prime Minister Fils-Aimé and the Council of Ministers, acting in an interim capacity to prepare for the general elections in Haiti,”  Washington said in a statement posted on the US Embassy in Haiti.

Washington said that it is ready to work with the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers to “achieve our common priority, which is stabilising Haiti.

“We recognise the responsibility of the authorities called upon to guide the country at a crucial moment and emphasize the importance of efforts made by Haitians themselves to restore stability, strengthen security and advance the aspirations of the Haitian people.

“As Secretary Rubio stressed, sustainable progress in Haiti depends on responsible governance, improved security conditions and a supported international partnership in favor of Haiti’s sovereignty. The United States remains committed to working alongside Haitian leaders and regional partners to contribute to stabilise Haiti,” the statement added.

The CPT was established in April 2024 to restore political stability, address the security crisis caused by powerful armed gangs, and facilitate a transition of power following the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

The nine-member council was created to select a new prime minister and cabinet, prepare for, and oversee the nation’s next elections, which are planned for early 2026.  Since April 2024, Haiti has held no national elections.

It left office last Saturday with its tenure marred by infighting, poor governance and paralysis, as well as persistent allegations of influence peddling, corruption , collusion with armed gangs and of diverting public resources for personal gain.

Although there is broad agreement between Haiti’s civil and political leaders that the CPT should step down, a consensus ‍has yet to emerge over what structure should replace it.

Saint-Cyr in a statement on Saturday, said “we need to put our personal interest to the side and continue progress for security,” adding  that the Council of Ministers “under the direction of the prime minister will take charge”.

In a weekend address to the country Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé recalled that February 7 embodies republican continuity, popular sovereignty, and the irreversible aspiration of the Haitian people to live in freedom, security, and dignity.

“The time for coming together has come. The state is reclaiming its place. Life must go on. Haiti will not perish,”  Prime Minister Fils-Aim said, as he commended the efforts and sacrifices made by the CPT members during nearly two “extremely complex” years, while acknowledging that the transition remains incomplete, particularly due to persistent insecurity and the impossibility of holding elections within the initially planned timeframe.

Fils-Aimé said faced with this reality, the country will not succumb to discouragement or division and that the mission of the transition remains clear and unchanged that is to restore security, organize free, inclusive, and democratic elections, and hand over power to leaders legitimately elected by the people.

He pledged the state’s total commitment to the fight against insecurity and that armed gangs and their accomplices will be relentlessly pursued with the Haitian National Police (PNH) and Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd’H) will act with rigour, coordination, and continuity until complete control of the country.

Aware of the extent of social suffering, the Prime Minister announced the immediate implementation of an emergency humanitarian plan to provide food assistance, healthcare, and shelter to the most vulnerable populations, affirming that security and dignity must go hand in hand.

In a strong appeal for national unity, he invited all stakeholders including political parties, civil society, the private sector, religious leaders, artists, youth, women, farmers, the general public, and the diaspora, to overcome divisions and unite around a republican pact based on the roadmap “Security; Elections; and Economic Recovery”.

In a solemn pledge, Prime Minister Fils-Aim said he would lead this decisive phase with truth, courage, firmness against terror, and humanity toward the suffering of the people, reiterating that the State would remain impartial, the guarantor of freedoms, justice, and the transparency of the electoral process.