HAITI-OAS supports moves towards an elected government in Haiti.

WASHINGTON, CMC – The Organization of American States (OAS) is underscoring its commitment to Haiti as the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country enters the next phase of its transition to an elected government under improved security conditions.

Last weekend, the United States reaffirmed its support for Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé after he assumed leadership of the interim government following the end of the mandate of the Provisional Transitional Council (CPT) last Saturday.

“The United States takes note of the peaceful transfer of power by the coordinator of the Provisional Transitional Council (CPT), Laurent Saint-Cyr, to Prime Minister Fils-Aimé and the Council of Ministers, acting in an interim capacity to prepare for the general elections in Haiti,” Washington said in a statement posted on the US Embassy in Haiti.

The CPT was established in April 2024 to restore political stability, address the security crisis caused by powerful armed gangs, and facilitate a transition of power following the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

The nine-member council was created to select a new prime minister and cabinet, prepare for, and oversee the nation’s next elections, scheduled for early 2026. Since April 2024, Haiti has held no national elections.

It left office last Saturday with its tenure marred by infighting, poor governance, and paralysis, as well as persistent allegations of influence peddling, corruption, collusion with armed gangs, and of diverting public resources for personal gain.

In a statement, the OAS said that building on the consultative meeting held last week and the joint statement of February 4, the OAS General Secretariat recognizes that, in accordance with the Constitution of Haiti, Prime Minister Fils Aime and the cabinet will lead the “short, purposeful, and clearly directed interim period.

”This interim period will focus on improving the security environment and advancing preparations for the holding of national elections, in accordance with the published calendar,” the OAS said, adding that it is currently providing technical and financial support to the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the National Identification Office, respectively.

The OAS said that security progress remains central to Haiti’s path forward.

“Gang leaders and individuals who support them cannot be allowed to undermine the national stability and security of Haiti. The timely and effective deployment of the Gang Suppression Force, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2793, is critical to the restoration of security.”

The first contingents of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), which will replace the struggling Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, are expected to arrive in the country in April. Its mission is to restore state authority and public order, reduce gang territorial control, secure critical infrastructure, and support the Haitian people as they work toward a return to elected governance and long-term stability.

Last week, the United States confirmed that at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, the USS Stockdale, the USCGC Stone, and the USCGC Diligence have arrived in the Bay of Port-au-Prince.

“Their presence reflects the United States’ unwavering commitment to Haiti’s security, stability, and brighter future. The US Navy and US Coast Guard stand as symbols of partnership and support, working to ensure a safer and more prosperous Haiti,” the US Embassy noted.

The OAS said that it ”remains committed to continued, sustained and coordinated international support during this defined transition period and beyond.

”We reiterate that a Haitian-led and Haitian-owned approach remains fundamental. To achieve these objectives, we reiterate the need for regular, structured national consultation and dialogue among Haitians to foster unity and to create a stable and enabling political and governance process,” it added.