Haiti Leaders Push Ahead With Plan to Remove Prime Minister Despite U.S. Warnings

Post by : Saif Nasser

Haiti’s ongoing political crisis has taken a new and serious turn as two senior leaders said they plan to move ahead with removing Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, even after strong warnings from the United States. The dispute highlights deep divisions within Haiti’s leadership at a time when the country is already struggling with violence, weak institutions, and a lack of clear political direction.

Leslie Voltaire and Edgard Leblanc Fils, members of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, said they believe it is their right to replace the prime minister. They explained that the council appointed Fils-Aime in November 2024 and therefore has the authority to remove him and name a new prime minister, government, and president through a fresh decree.

The Transitional Presidential Council acts as Haiti’s top executive body. It was formed in 2024 with the goal of guiding the country toward its first national elections in nearly ten years. However, elections have been delayed again and again as armed gangs have taken control of large parts of the country, especially in the capital, Port-au-Prince.

Prime Minister Fils-Aime has strongly rejected the effort to remove him. Speaking at a police graduation ceremony, he warned that neither criminals in politics nor criminals in the streets would control the country’s laws. He said anyone who challenged the authority of the state or the police would face a firm response, without compromise.

The United States has openly opposed the plan to oust the prime minister. U.S. officials argue that Fils-Aime must remain in office to continue the fight against powerful gangs that have paralyzed daily life in Haiti. At the police event, the top U.S. diplomat in Haiti said it was essential for the prime minister to stay in place to protect security efforts.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also spoke directly with Fils-Aime, stressing the need for stability and warning that Haitian politicians accused of corruption could face serious consequences. Washington has also made clear that the Transitional Presidential Council must step down when its mandate ends on February 7. So far, no clear plan has been announced for what will come next.

Within the council itself, divisions are growing. Five of the nine members have reportedly signed a resolution to remove the prime minister, though it has not yet been published in Haiti’s official gazette. Without publication, the decision has no legal force. Voltaire said there would be a temporary pause to allow political groups to agree on a succession plan, but warned that the council would decide on a new structure if no agreement is reached.

Both Voltaire and Leblanc Fils criticized the United States for what they called disrespect toward Haiti’s sovereignty. They argued that foreign governments should not decide who leads the country.

The council’s short time in power has been marked by infighting, corruption accusations, and worsening security. Last year, a Haitian court dismissed corruption summons against several council members, ruling that they were protected by their official status. These events have damaged public trust and raised questions about the council’s legitimacy.

Some council members have suggested Finance Minister Alfred Metellus as a possible replacement for Fils-Aime. Metellus is an experienced public official and a former consultant at an international development bank. Still, any change in leadership now risks adding more uncertainty to an already fragile situation.

As Haiti faces gang violence, political disorder, and the absence of elections, the struggle over the prime minister’s future shows how fragile the country’s leadership remains. Whether the council proceeds with the removal or backs down under international pressure, the coming weeks will be critical for Haiti’s stability and its path forward.