Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council Dissolved as Executive Authority Transfers to Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé

On 07/02/2026, Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (Conseil Présidentiel de Transition, CPT) was officially dissolved after its two-year mandate expired without the successful organization of national elections, transferring full executive authority to Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. The nine-member council, established in April 2024 to stabilize governance following prolonged political instability, reached its term limit amid continued security and institutional challenges. The formal handover ceremony took place at the Villa d’Accueil in Port-au-Prince under heightened security. Council President Laurent Saint-Cyr presided over the proceedings and formally transferred authority to Fils-Aimé. The event marked the end of the CPT’s temporary governance framework, which had been tasked with guiding the country toward elections and restoring constitutional order. Following the dissolution, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé chaired an extraordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers. During that session, a decree was adopted placing executive power under the authority of the Council of Ministers to ensure institutional continuity in the absence of an elected president. Under this arrangement, Fils-Aimé now serves as the country’s sole central governing authority, overseeing executive functions while coordinating with ministerial departments. The Transitional Presidential Council had been created in April 2024 as part of a negotiated framework involving Haitian political actors and regional mediators. Its mandate included preparing conditions for free and credible elections, strengthening state institutions, and addressing escalating insecurity. However, elections were not held within the two-year timeframe, and the council’s mandate expired without renewal. The transition occurred against a backdrop of political infighting within the CPT. In late January 2026, several council members reportedly attempted to remove Fils-Aimé from office. The move was publicly criticized by the United States, which subsequently revoked visas for four council members involved in the dispute. U.S. officials characterized the action as a response to efforts perceived as undermining stability during the transitional period. Shortly before the council’s dissolution, the United States deployed a naval warship and Coast Guard vessels to waters near Port-au-Prince. The deployment was described as a precautionary measure aimed at deterring unrest and safeguarding diplomatic personnel. Regional organizations including Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organization of American States (OAS) publicly recognized Fils-Aimé’s interim leadership following the power transfer. Statements from international partners emphasized the importance of institutional continuity and preparation for elections. Haiti continues to face severe security and humanitarian challenges. Armed gangs are estimated to control approximately 90% of Port-au-Prince, affecting transportation routes, fuel distribution, food supply chains, and access to medical services. Displacement within the capital and surrounding regions has increased as residents flee violence. The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have reported shortages of essential supplies and strained public services. Fils-Aimé’s administration has indicated that organizing general elections remains a priority, with August 2026 mentioned as a tentative target. However, logistical and security conditions present significant obstacles to voter registration, polling station security, and candidate participation. The Council of Ministers is expected to oversee preparations, including coordination with electoral authorities and international partners. The events of 07/02/2026 represent another transition point in Haiti’s prolonged political crisis, as executive authority consolidates under the prime minister’s office pending the organization of national elections.