Haiti officials announce plan to oust prime minister, deepening US standoff

Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) announced plans on Friday to remove Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, despite warnings from the United States. Five of the nine council members voted to replace Fils-Aime within 30 days. The TPC, formed in 2024 after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, has been plagued by infighting and has postponed elections originally planned for February. The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasized the importance of Fils-Aime's continued role in combating gangs and stabilizing Haiti. The council's mandate is set to dissolve on February 7, and tiered federal elections are now expected to start in August.

Haiti's political crisis escalated when a majority of the transitional council voted to remove Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. Council members Edgard Leblanc Fils and Leslie Voltaire announced the decision, stating Fils-Aimé would be replaced within 30 days. The move defies calls from the U.S. government to maintain stability. It remains unclear if current council leader Laurent Saint-Cyr supports the dismissal, as he previously expressed opposition to undermining the government before the council's scheduled departure on February 7. The transitional council was formed to help stabilize the country amidst ongoing violence and political turmoil.