Haiti Presidential Council Dissolves, Powers to PM Fils-Aimé

Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council dissolved on Saturday in a ceremony under heavy security in Port-au-Prince, transferring sole executive authority to Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé as the gang-plagued nation edges toward its first general elections in a decade.

The nine-member council, established in April 2024 to stabilize the country following years of political upheaval, concluded its nearly two-year mandate without a clear successor structure in place. Created after the resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry, the body was meant to address rampant gang violence and facilitate elections. Instead, its tenure was overshadowed by escalating insecurity, allegations of corruption against several members, and internal divisions that nearly derailed the government. In late January, a faction of council members attempted to remove Fils-Aimé, but the effort collapsed amid threats of repercussions from the United States, which has strongly supported the 54-year-old businessman's leadership.

During the subdued handover at the Villa d'Accueil in Pétion-Ville, outgoing council president Laurent Saint-Cyr emphasized unity and progress. "We need to put our personal...