In Port-au-Prince, two members of Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council declared on Friday their commitment to execute plans for the dismissal of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime. This announcement stands firm despite explicit warnings from the United States government highlighting the potential repercussions of such a move.
Leslie Voltaire, a council member, emphasized at a press briefing, "We appointed Didier Fils-Aime last November 2024 and collaborated with him for a full year. It remains within our authority to issue a new decree appointing a different prime minister, alongside a new government and presidential leadership." The council, which already dismissed its initial prime minister after only six months, is currently the highest executive body in Haiti.
Established in 2024 to oversee the preparation for the nation's first election in over a decade, the council's efforts have been repeatedly delayed. These postponements are largely due to escalating security issues, including violent confrontations involving heavily armed gangs that have destabilized the country.
At a later police function on Friday, Prime Minister Fils-Aime responded to the removal plans by asserting his stance against lawlessness, stating that neither "criminals wearing ties nor those in flip flops" would dictate legal governance. He warned that any opposition to the police or state would encounter a firm and uncompromising response.
During the same event, U.S. Charge d’Affaires Henry Wooster stressed the critical importance of maintaining Fils-Aime's leadership as part of the ongoing battle against gang violence. The current council's term is set to conclude on February 7; however, no formal succession procedure has been established thus far.
The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, reportedly engaged in a phone call with Prime Minister Fils-Aime on Friday morning. In this communication, Rubio underscored the significance of retaining the prime minister to preserve national stability. He also urged the dissolution of the Transitional Presidential Council upon completion of its mandate, warning of significant consequences for any politicians found to be involved in corruption.
According to reports from local media, five of the nine council members have signed a resolution aiming to remove Fils-Aime. However, this resolution has not yet been published in Haiti's official governmental gazette, a prerequisite for enacting the decision legally.
Voltaire shared the platform with fellow council member Edgard Leblanc Fils, who confirmed the intention to commence procedures for replacing the prime minister within 30 days in accordance with established guidelines. Voltaire further explained that there would be a temporary "pause" to permit Haiti's political factions to negotiate a consensual succession strategy. Should these efforts fail, the council would determine an appropriate governance framework.
Both Voltaire and Fils criticized the statements from U.S. officials as infringements on Haiti's sovereignty. Since its inception in April 2024, the council has battled internal conflicts, accusations of corruption, and deteriorating security conditions.
In a notable judicial development last year, a Haitian court dismissed summons against three council members accused of corruption, citing their protection under their official governance status. Of these individuals, two reportedly supported the resolution to remove Fils-Aime, although they were excluded from the council’s rotating presidency schedule while retaining their positions.
On Thursday, council member Louis Gerard-Gilles, a supporter of the ouster, indicated in remarks to Radio Kiskeya that Finance Minister Alfred Metellus could be the prospective successor to Fils-Aime. Metellus is noted for his public sector experience and his previous consultancy role with the Inter-American Development Bank.