NAIROBI, Kenya- Haiti has slipped into fresh political uncertainty after the mandate of its Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) expired on Saturday, leaving the violence-hit Caribbean nation without a clear succession plan as gang attacks continue to spiral.
The nine-member council, formed in April 2024 following the resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry, was tasked with restoring security and steering Haiti toward long-delayed elections. Instead, its exit has opened a power vacuum at a time when the country remains deeply unstable.
Council Exit Leaves Leadership Vacuum
The CPT operated under a rotating presidency system, but its tenure was marred by worsening insecurity, allegations of corruption, and sharp internal divisions.
Tensions escalated in late January when several council members attempted to remove Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, triggering a strong response from the United States, which publicly warned of consequences and backed Fils-Aime remaining in office beyond February 7.
Washington has since imposed sanctions on five CPT members and reiterated that the council must step aside.
“As the Transitional Presidential Council’s mandate ends on February 7, we support Prime Minister Fils-Aime’s leadership in building a strong, prosperous and free Haiti,” the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince said in a statement.
US Signals Support as Security Fears Grow
The diplomatic warning was reinforced by a visible show of force after three US warships docked in the Bay of Port-au-Prince, a move the embassy said reflected America’s “unwavering commitment” to Haiti’s security and stability.
Despite broad agreement among Haiti’s political and civil society leaders that the CPT should exit, there is still no consensus on what governing structure should replace it.
Former legislator Antoine Rodon Bien-Aime, who has been involved in consultations, told the Miami Herald that numerous proposals were on the table, but none had secured widespread backing.
Elections Still a Distant Dream
Haiti has not held elections since 2016 and has been without an elected president since the assassination of Jovenel Moise in 2021. Parliamentary democracy has also collapsed, with the last senators’ terms expiring more than three years ago.
Organising fresh polls remains a logistical nightmare as armed gangs continue to dominate large swathes of Port-au-Prince, the Artibonite agricultural region, and central parts of the country.
By October, about 1.4 million Haitians had been internally displaced, according to United Nations data — nearly double the figure recorded when the CPT took office.
Kenyan Police at the Centre of Global Security Mission
Haiti’s fragile transition has also drawn Kenya into the international spotlight. A UN-backed multinational security mission — aimed at restoring order — has so far deployed fewer than 1,000 personnel, the majority of them Kenyan police officers.
The UN says it is working toward deploying 5,500 troops by mid-year, though delays and funding challenges continue to raise questions about whether the force can stabilise the country in time to support credible elections.
Uncertain Road Ahead
As Haiti’s transitional council bows out without a replacement in place, fears are growing that political paralysis could deepen the humanitarian and security crisis.
For now, Prime Minister Fils-Aime remains at the centre of international backing — but without a clear roadmap, Haiti’s path to elections and stability remains dangerously unclear.
