Between Reframing and Patching Up, the CPT is Caught in Its Own Trap

The CPT, which is supposed to embody a collegial, united, and harmonious power, is today facing itself, acknowledging its failure to fulfill its fundamental missions. Given this alarming observation, most national actors have demanded a paradigm shift. PORT-AU-PRINCE.— The Presidential Council responsible for managing the political transition in Haiti, conceived as a lever for the stabilization process, finds itself at an impasse. A theater of endless scandals, ranging from suspicions of corruption in the BNC affair to denunciations of coup d'état plots, including multiple scenes of division over rather trivial subjects. Just a few months before the end of its mandate, the transitional governing body has neither restored security in neighborhoods, nor protected the lives and property of the Haitian population, nor re-established institutional order, nor put in place the necessary mechanism to initiate constitutional and institutional reform through a viable electoral process. A Power in Total Legitimacy Deficit Since its formation on April 12, 2024, the Transitional Presidential Council has been undermined by internal conflicts of interest, thus slowing progress towards the objectives set in the April 3 agreement. Far from embodying a solution, the CPT has become an additional factor of political instability. It is criticized from all sides for alleged corruption, predation, and indifference to the suffering of the Haitian people. Created by an agreement never promulgated, without having established a control body, the CPT lacks even functional legitimacy based on a minimum of satisfaction and credit among the Haitian population. Overwhelmed by crises from all sides and not speaking as the expression of popular sovereignty itself, the power in place has generated the political and legal foundations for its dissolution. Disagreements over the appointment of general directors and indifference to the misery of the people have further delegitimized the power. Reframing or Patching Up, What is the Best Scenario to Achieve the Targeted Objectives? Several non-aligned actors have already acknowledged the CPT's failure, deeming it incapable and unfit for the current situation. The same applies to international bodies such as the OAS and the United Nations. Moreover, CARICOM's efforts to revive dialogue among political actors highlight this reality. Given such a situation, the active participation of several political organizations and the private business sector in the establishment of this presidential council must also be considered. They would have neither the credibility nor the necessary ability to be part of the change. The people must take their destiny into their own hands, for from them alone comes the legitimacy to govern the country. Far from any partisan logic, the country's leadership must be entrusted to a category of men and women who respect norms, are sensitive to the suffering of the population, and are capable of staying the course in an increasingly polarized and transactional world. Ultimately, exiting the crisis requires a balance between security restoration, institutional re-foundation, economic recovery, and citizen engagement. This necessitates strong national political will, supported by international solidarity respectful of Haitian sovereignty. Jean Mapou