From the Silence of the Streets to the Transfer of Power: Haiti Turns the Page on the Transitional Presidential Council

Port-au-Prince, February 7, 2026. As the mandate of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) officially ends, the Haitian capital presents an unusual sight this Saturday, February 7, 2026. From Delmas to Pétion-Ville, the streets appear sparse, public markets — traditionally crowded on Saturdays — seem deserted, reflecting a climate mixing prudence, uncertainty, and collective weariness.

For Jacqueline, a small vendor in Pétion-Ville, the day is almost lost:

“I came to sell early today, hoping to go home with a little money, to sell my products. But barely two or three people came to bargain with me.”

A revealing testimony to the persistent economic gloom, but also to the latent fear that continues to influence daily habits.

The same observation from Éric, a street juice vendor:

“Usually, the market is full. Now, it’s almost empty.”

These observations suggest that, despite the absence of major incidents reported that day, the perception of insecurity and political uncertainty remain deeply rooted in society.

The public transport sector also reflects this widespread paralysis. A few buses, minibuses, and vans are circulating, but often almost empty, due to a lack of passengers. An economically difficult situation for drivers, whose incomes depend directly on traffic volume.

Meanwhile, at Delmas 60, at the Villa d’Accueil, the ceremony officially marking the end of the mandate of the Transitional Presidential Council is taking place. Several councilors are present for the symbolic transfer of power: Laurent Saint-Cyr, Smith Augustin, Emmanuel Vertilaire, Régine Abraham, and Frinel Joseph. This institutional act concludes nearly two years of a political transition intended to restore security, prepare credible elections, and put the country back on a constitutional path.

However, the contrast between the solemnity of this ceremony and the reality observed in the streets raises questions. The absence of elections, the persistence of insecurity, and economic fragility fuel growing skepticism among the population. Many seem to be waiting for concrete results rather than new political promises.

This February 7, 2026, thus appears less as an achievement than as an additional moment of transition. The prospect of an executive now refocused around Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé opens a new political phase whose contours remain uncertain.

Immediately, the silent capital seems to express a clear message: beyond official ceremonies, the priority for a large part of the population remains security, economic stability, and the restoration of fully legitimate institutions. Without these tangible advances, citizen trust risks continuing to erode.

Jean Wesley Pierre / Le Relief