Haiti: The Transitional Council Faces International Veto

Haiti is going through a new phase of strong political turbulence, against a backdrop of chronic insecurity and persistent institutional fragility. As key transition deadlines approach, the country is shaken by increasing internal tensions, while the international community tries to adjust its position in the face of an increasingly volatile situation.

Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, the Haitian state has struggled to reconstitute itself around stable governance mechanisms. The establishment of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), intended to pave the way for a return to constitutional order, has not dissipated political divisions nor provided lasting solutions to the security crisis. On the contrary, recent months have been marked by a resurgence of internal disagreements at the highest levels of the state, fueling a climate of generalized uncertainty.

Recent political unrest revolves mainly around disagreements between CPT members and the transitional government. Debates on the conduct of the transition, the management of executive power, and the post-February 7 perspective have accentuated fractures within the governing apparatus. These institutional tensions arise in a context where the state remains largely absent from vast portions of the territory, particularly in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, which is under the control of heavily organized armed groups.

On the ground, the security situation continues to deteriorate. Armed gangs exert constant pressure on the population, disrupting economic activities, movement, and access to essential services. This structural violence fuels a deep humanitarian crisis, marked by massive internal displacement and increased vulnerability for the most disadvantaged segments of the population. Insecurity is no longer just a criminal problem, but a determining factor in political instability and institutional paralysis.

Faced with this reality, foreign missions and international partners are multiplying their statements. The United States, Canada, CARICOM countries, and several multilateral actors regularly reiterate the need to preserve a minimum of political stability to allow for the effective deployment of international security assistance. While affirming their commitment to Haitian sovereignty, these partners warn against any political decision likely to exacerbate institutional chaos or compromise the transition.

The Multinational Security Support Mission, deployed to support the Haitian National Police, remains at the heart of the international strategy. However, its effectiveness remains conditioned on a coherent political environment and minimal coordination among Haitian authorities. Several chanceries emphasize that security action alone cannot compensate for the absence of political consensus or replace a genuine governance project.