Bishop Pierre André Dumas Asked to Lead National Mediation Ahead of February 7, 2026

Port-au-Prince, Saturday, January 10, 2026 —A major announcement is stirring the Haitian political and institutional sphere. Bishop Pierre André Dumas has informed the public that he has been officially approached by some fifteen coalitions from the political, economic, and civil society sectors, as well as by several international institutions, to lead a significant national mediation. According to the information released, this initiative also benefits from the support of regional and international organizations such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organization of American States (OAS), and the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). The stated objective is to foster political consensus to enable the establishment of new executive governance by February 7, 2026, a date marking the end of the mandate of the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC), in accordance with Article 12.1 of the political agreement of April 4, 2024. A Mediation to Prevent an Institutional Vacuum In his message, Bishop Pierre André Dumas emphasizes the urgency of anticipating the post-February 7 period to avoid an institutional vacuum likely to plunge the country into a new phase of political and security instability. This concern is widely shared within the political class and civil society, in a context marked by persistent insecurity, institutional paralysis, and a prolonged governance crisis. Despite a period of convalescence, the prelate has agreed to undertake this delicate mission, believing that the nation's supreme interest demands a responsible and inclusive commitment. A respected figure of the Haitian Catholic Church, Bishop Dumas is known for his stances in favor of dialogue, social peace, and respect for human dignity. Approaches to the Transitional Presidential Council As part of this initiative, Bishop Pierre André Dumas has sent an official letter to the president of the Transitional Presidential Council, His Excellency Mr. Laurent Saint-Cyr. In it, he requests a meeting on January 22 or 23, 2026, to formally present the mediation approach and to gather the official position of the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) on the proposed process. This meeting, if it materializes, could constitute a key step in defining the contours of a post-TPC political transition, as many questions remain regarding succession mechanisms, the legitimacy of future leaders, and the effective participation of different sectors of society. A Variously Received Initiative The announcement of this mediation has sparked strong reactions on social media and in political circles. Some see it as an opportunity to break the current deadlock through a consensual and peaceful solution, while others express reservations about the actual capacity of political actors to agree on a common project, beyond partisan interests. Observers note, however, that the joint involvement of national sectors and international institutions could strengthen the credibility of the process, provided that it remains transparent, inclusive, and respectful of national sovereignty. A Decisive Moment for the Transition Less than a month before the February 7, 2026 deadline, this mediation initiative comes at a pivotal moment for Haiti. The outcome of the upcoming discussions could determine the country's ability to avoid a new institutional breakdown and lay the foundations for more stable governance. The coming days will be crucial in assessing the real willingness of the actors involved to prioritize dialogue and the general interest in a particularly fragile national context. Jean Wesley Pierre/ Le Relief