SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The U. S. cautioned the transitional council overseeing Haiti on Wednesday against making any shifts in the country’s government as calls for elections after ten years continue to grow.
In a statement shared on X, the U. S. Embassy in Haiti declared that “The United States would consider that any person who supports such a destabilizing initiative, which favors the gangs, would be acting against the interests of the United States, the region, and the Haitian people, and will take appropriate measures accordingly.”
The embassy went on to say that such actions would jeopardize efforts aimed at achieving “a minimal level of security and stability” in Haiti, where gang violence is escalating and poverty is worsening.
This warning comes amid tensions between some council members and Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, though details about their disagreements were not immediately available. The council held discussions behind closed doors earlier on Wednesday.
A representative from the prime minister’s office stated late Wednesday that they couldn’t comment further on the matter. The seven voting members of the council did not respond to requests for comments.
This incident adds to years of political turmoil following the assassination of Haiti’s last elected president, Jovenel Moïse, at his home in July 2021.
The council has served as one of Haiti’s primary governing bodies since April 2024 when it was established with assistance from Caribbean leaders after powerful gangs took control of Haiti’s main international airport and targeted crucial state infrastructure in an unprecedented series of attacks that ultimately led former Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign.
Tasked with appointing Haiti’s prime minister, the council aimed to quickly restore some order to this troubled nation.
Fils-Aimé is now serving as the third individual chosen by this council. He was appointed in November 2025 after they dismissed previous leader Garry Conille; Fils-Aimé had been a businessman and former head of Haiti’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
While February 7 marks when this council is expected to step down, it’s uncertain if that will occur. Critics claim that some members are looking to extend their time in power longer than intended, raising concerns over potential violent protests.
The February 7 deadline was set early in 2024 based on expectations that general elections would have already taken place for selecting a new president. However, gang violence has delayed these elections thus far; they are tentatively planned for August with runoff elections scheduled for December.
A recent U. N. report released Wednesday highlighted that “national stakeholders remain divided over the transitional governance architecture that is to lead the country to elections.”
Earlier Wednesday, members of the U. N. Security Council convened to talk about deteriorating conditions in Haiti.
“Haiti has entered a critical phase in its process of restoring democratic institutions,” said Carlos Ruiz-Massieu, special representative of the U. N. Secretary General in Haiti. “Let’s be clear: the time for political maneuvering is over.”
Panamanian Ambassador Eloy Alfaro de Alba remarked during this meeting that Haiti stands at an “important juncture,” noting there are only 18 days remaining until this transitional presidential council’s mandate concludes.
“The persistent nature of violence … remains of utmost concern,” he expressed.
Several U. N. Security Council representatives emphasized how essential it is for Haiti to promptly transition toward democracy as gangs continue taking more territory under their control.
“There’s need for responsible action regarding this deadline … so we can maintain state continuity without disruptions affecting national institutions,” said Eric Pierre,Haiti’s permanent representativetothe United Nations.
Gang activity controls around 90%of Port-au-Prince,the capital city,and they have claimed large areas across central regions.
Over 8 ,100 killings occurred throughoutHaiti from January through November last year,with numbers likely being underreported dueto limited access within gang-dominated areas,accordingto reports fromThe United Nations.
Haiti’s National Policehave been strivingto tackle gang violence by cooperating witha mission supported byThe United Nations led by Kenyan police;This force remains short-staffed and underfunded./weak>/s>. The mission aimssuppress gangs enabling arrests. To apprehend suspected members.
Additionally, Haiti’s government has partnereda private military contractor launching drone strikes targeting suspected gang affiliates; these operations caused civilian casualties too. The strikes resulted<span style=display: none;alertsa too. The strikes resultedinmorethan970fatalitiesbetweenthedatesfrom Marchuntil Decemberlastyearincluding39civilians16ofwhomwerechildrenas per United Nations High Commissionerfor Human Rights.
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An earlier version inaccurately referredto Gar Conilleasbeingthefirstprime ministerselectedbythetransitionalcouncilwhenhewasactuallythesecond.
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Associated Press reporter Evens Sanon contributedtothis reportfrom Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
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