Haiti Leaders Defy US Threats, Proceed with PM Alix Didier Fils-Aimé Removal
Haitian leaders are moving forward with plans to remove PM Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, defying U.S. warnings of 'steep costs.' The move deepens the political crisis in Port-au-Prince.
The handshake is over; now comes the standoff. Haiti's transitional leaders announced on Friday their intention to oust Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, blatantly ignoring stern warnings from Washington about "steep costs" and potential diplomatic fallout. It's a high-stakes gamble on sovereignty at a time when the nation's security is hanging by a thread.
Haiti Leaders Defy US Over PM Alix Didier Fils-Aimé Removal Plan
According to Reuters, Leslie Voltaire, a member of the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC), told a press conference on January 23, 2026, that the council has the sole authority to appoint and remove government officials. Voltaire emphasized that since the council appointed Fils-Aimé in November 2024, it's within their rights to issue a new decree naming a successor.
Five of the nine council members have reportedly signed a resolution to remove the Prime Minister. While the decision hasn't been published in the official gazette—a mandatory legal step—the council intends to finalize the replacement within 30 days. The move marks a dramatic escalation in the internal power struggle that has paralyzed the Caribbean nation.
Washington's Warning: Stability Over Sovereignty?
The United States isn't pulling its punches. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a call with Fils-Aimé to emphasize the importance of his staying in office to ensure stability. U.S. officials warned that removing him would face consequences, targeting council members they deem corrupt. Meanwhile, U.S. Charge d'Affaires Henry Wooster called Fils-Aimé's role "essential" in the ongoing fight against armed gangs.
Neither criminals wearing ties nor criminals wearing flip-flops will dictate the law. Anyone who stands against the state will face a firm response without weakness.
The council, however, slammed the U.S. comments as disrespectful. They're already eyeing Finance Minister Alfred Metellus, a veteran of the Inter-American Development Bank, as a potential replacement. This defiance comes just weeks before the council's own mandate is set to expire on February 7.
Timeline of a Failing Transition
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