The Transitional Presidential Council Seems to Be Counting Its Days: Growing Criticism and Diplomatic Pressure

As its mandate approaches its end, the future of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) in Haiti is reportedly already compromised. Designed to stabilize a country grappling with a multifaceted crisis, this nine-member governing body struggles to convince, both nationally and internationally. Increasingly criticized for its inefficiency, its legitimacy wavers under the weight of a disillusioned public opinion, an increasingly vocal civil society, and regional partners who are resuming discussions to address the 'post-CPT' era. *Popular Trust Rapidly Eroding* Barely installed, the transitional structure, intended to embody a national consensus, has met with a wave of disapproval. Several civil society actors are denouncing a lack of clarity in decisions, an absence of tangible results, and an overly opaque functioning, sometimes hampered by ego clashes among members. The voice of Reverend Father Verdieu Joassaint, a respected figure from the diocese of Jérémie, clearly illustrates this climate of mistrust. In a sermon that went viral, the priest did not mince his words: « This Council has neither a moral compass nor a political vision. It gives the impression of being there to manage private interests instead of serving the general interest ». This statement, though severe, finds a growing echo among believers and followers of various faiths. *Regional Involvement Relaunched: CARICOM and OAS Take the Lead Again* On the diplomatic front, discussions surrounding the Haitian transition are picking up again with renewed vigor. After a period of observation, regional partners, notably CARICOM and the Organization of American States (OAS), are multiplying consultations. According to diplomatic sources, both bodies are seriously considering a restructuring of the transition, or even an early departure of the CPT. At the heart of the discussions: the possibility of appointing a single transitional figure or broadening the political agreement to include new actors absent from the initial process, particularly from the religious sector, academia, and local authorities. *A Transition Running Out of Steam?* Far from inspiring hope, the Transitional Presidential Council today seems to embody a deadlock. The absence of a clear electoral calendar, the vague management of security emergencies, and the prolonged silence on expected reforms fuel frustration. Even within the CPT, signs of tension are emerging, with some advisors avoiding public appearances or expressing their disagreement implicitly. For many, the dominant feeling is that of a missed opportunity. The Haitian people, tired of waiting for changes for decades, see this new deadlock as yet another setback. And as critical voices multiply, the word « revision » — or even « replacement » — comes up very often in diplomatic and political circles. *A Transition in Transition?* The Transitional Presidential Council was supposed to represent a turning point in the reconstruction of the Haitian state. But between internal tensions, growing popular rejection, and international pressure, it now gives the impression of counting its days. If the CPT wants to avoid a premature end, it will urgently need to restore confidence, define a clear direction, and above all, demonstrate a political resurgence. Otherwise, another chapter of the Haitian transition might well be written… without it.
For it is the chronicle of permanent transition that continues. By Gesly Sinvilier