Haitian Prime Minister Discusses National Crisis at 50th CARICOM Summit

Haiti's Crisis Takes Center Stage at CARICOM Summit

Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis – Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime addressed his nation's profound crisis during the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), held from February 24 to 27, 2026. During the summit, Prime Minister Fils-Aime held discussions with former Saint Lucia's Prime Minister Kenny Anthony, focusing on the urgent need for security restoration, institutional strengthening, and the organization of elections in Haiti.

Prime Minister Fils-Aime, who was appointed in November 2024 and whose role as sole executive was reaffirmed by a national pact in February 2026, detailed the efforts underway to stabilize the country. The discussions with Anthony, a member of the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group (EPG) actively involved in mediating Haiti's political crisis, underscored the regional body's continued engagement with Haiti's challenges. The preservation of the Toussaint Louverture International Airport was also a key point of discussion, highlighting its strategic importance for air transport and economic recovery.

Deepening Security and Humanitarian Crises

Haiti continues to grapple with a severe multidimensional crisis encompassing political instability, economic hardship, and a dire humanitarian situation. As of mid-2025, an estimated 90 percent of Port-au-Prince was under gang control, with violence extending to other departments. Reports indicate that 4,864 people were killed between October 2024 and June 2025, and approximately 8,100 murders occurred in 2025. The widespread gang activity has led to the internal displacement of 1.4 million people by September 2025, and an estimated 5.7 million people face acute food insecurity, with 600,000 experiencing famine-level conditions. The humanitarian needs are projected to affect 6.4 million people in 2026.

In response to the escalating violence, the United Nations Security Council authorized a new Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in October 2025, with a mandate for 5,550 personnel to conduct counter-gang operations. This force, expected to begin deployment in April 2026, aims to support the Haitian National Police and curb the flow of illegal firearms, which are crucial steps toward restoring basic security.

Path Towards Institutional Stability and Elections

The discussions at the CARICOM summit also highlighted efforts to strengthen Haiti's institutions and pave the way for democratic governance. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other international partners are working to empower national entities, enhance governance, and rebuild trust between citizens and the state. These initiatives include fostering inclusive dialogue and strengthening the capacity of national institutions to manage human mobility and address the root causes of displacement.

A significant step towards political normalization was the announcement of general elections to be held in two rounds on August 30 and December 6, 2026. This timetable, released by the Provisional Electoral Council in December 2025, marks the first general elections since 2016. Prime Minister Fils-Aime indicated that security conditions in seven of Haiti's ten departments, along with several western municipalities, are now deemed sufficient for holding elections. The election campaign is slated to commence in March 2026, with a new president expected to be inaugurated on February 7, 2027, following the conclusion of the Transitional Presidential Council's mandate.