December 23, 2024
Since taking office, Haiti’s new Prime Minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, has faced a wave of protests undermining the legitimacy of his government. The party Les Engagés pour le Développement (EDE), led by Claude Joseph, recently declined a meeting request from the Prime Minister, citing major dysfunctions in the management of the political transition.
In a letter to the Prime Minister’s office, the National Directorate of EDE outlined several criticisms. They argue that Fils-Aimé’s appointment represents a blatant violation of transition agreements, particularly the March 11 Consensus and the April 3 Accord. These breaches, they claim, compromise the legitimacy of the ongoing process and add further opacity to an already murky political climate.
The EDE party also raised concerns about the Prime Minister’s stance toward three advisers implicated in a corruption scandal involving the National Credit Bank (BNC). By accepting his nomination, Fils-Aimé appears to endorse questionable practices, which EDE believes undermines the credibility of any dialogue with the opposition.
Lastly, EDE criticized the exclusivity of the transition process, stating it was established without the participation of the April 3 Accord signatories. The Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), a cornerstone of the process, is also deemed illegitimate by the party. According to EDE, such a partisan approach is bound to fail.
Despite these differences, the Les Engagés pour le Développement party reaffirmed its commitment to an inclusive and democratic political transition. They remain open to genuine dialogue, provided that foundational principles and agreements are respected by all involved actors.