Haitian prime minister meets with US officials on security, elections and TPS

PORT-AU-PRINCE — Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé met with U.S. lawmakers in Washington this week, including Rep. Brian Mast, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, as Haiti confronts escalating gang violence, a stalled political transition and mounting international pressure to restore democratic governance. 

In an April 21 statement, the prime minister’s office said both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue on stabilizing Haiti, including support for deploying a United Nations-backed multinational security mission referred to by authorities as the Gang Suppression Force (GSF).

The talks also focused on creating conditions for “free, inclusive and credible elections,” a long-delayed goal since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 plunged the country into institutional collapse. Haiti has not held national elections in nearly a decade, and disagreements among Haitian leaders and international partners have slowed progress toward a political roadmap.

The Washington meetings follow earlier discussions with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), whom the prime minister’s office described as an advocate for Haitian immigrants and for extending their Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

“The prime minister reaffirmed the critical importance of TPS for thousands of Haitian nationals living in the United States,” the office said. “He stressed the need for sustained attention from U.S. authorities in response to Haiti’s ongoing crisis.”

Fils-Aimé also met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where discussions centered on security coordination, institutional rebuilding and economic cooperation, including renewal of the HOPE/HELP trade preferences.

The U.S. has remained a key player in Haiti’s transition, pushing for faster progress on elections while supporting international security assistance. However, Haitian officials have at times resisted what some view as external pressure shaping domestic political decisions, reflecting ongoing tensions over sovereignty and governance.

Fils-Aimé’s 5-day trip, which began April 19 and runs through April 24, includes Foreign Affairs Minister Raina Forbin and adviser Guerly Leriche. Haitian officials say the visit aims to strengthen partnerships as the country faces what many describe as a multidimensional crisis — combining political paralysis, economic hardship and widespread insecurity.

Violence continues to worsen across the country. Armed groups now control an estimated 80% to 90% of Port-au-Prince, according to the United Nations, while expanding into regional areas including Artibonite, the Central Plateau and the Southeast departments.

In recent days, Haiti graduated 339 soldiers from the Armed Forces’ “Capois-La-Mort” class to reinforce national security forces. Still, the Haitian National Police continues to struggle to contain gang expansion.

In the Cul-de-Sac plain, clashes between rival gangs have intensified since April 13, with no official casualty figures released. Residents have fled the area as homes are burned and property looted.

The violence is also disrupting economic activity. Rhum Barbancourt said several of its sugarcane fields in the area were destroyed, forcing the temporary suspension of community services funded by its foundation, including a clinic, water distribution and youth programs.

“When will we stop this senseless destruction?” owner Delphine Gardère wrote on  X. “Haiti will never truly rebuild if its people do not come together to build a shared future that is inclusive and fair for all.”

As national forces remain overstretched, Haitian authorities are counting on deploying the GSF, which has replaced the failed Kenya-led mission, to help restore order. The force is expected to include about 5,500 personnel, with contributions from countries including Chad and Bangladesh. A first contingent from Chad arrived April 1 and a Bangladeshi delegation landed April 21.

Despite these efforts, uncertainty remains over whether the security response and ongoing diplomatic engagement will be enough to stabilize the country and move Haiti toward long-promised elections — a key demand from both Haitian civil society and international partners.

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