December 23, 2024
Tensions between institutions in Haiti continue to rise, particularly due to a disagreement between the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC), currently led by Leslie Voltaire; and the government led by Prime Minister Garry Conille. Leslie Voltaire, President of the TPC, recently sent a letter to the Prime Minister, challenging his interpretation of the Constitution regarding the summoning of Dominique Dupuy, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Worship, and Haitians Living Abroad. Voltaire harshly criticized Conille, asserting that the minister had ample time to respond to the summons and denouncing the Prime Minister’s objections as baseless.
In his letter, Voltaire contested Conille’s interpretation of articles 156 and 159 of the Constitution, arguing that these articles do not grant him absolute authority over government members. He emphasized that under Article 136, the TPC is responsible for ensuring the rule of law and institutional stability. Therefore, according to Voltaire, the TPC has the right to summon government members without prior consultation with the Prime Minister.
Regarding Dominique Dupuy, Voltaire insisted that the time allotted to the minister for document preparation was sufficient. He strongly rejected claims that there was not enough time to compile the necessary responses, accusing Conille of attempting to block the TPC’s actions.
This controversy emerges amid multiple crises in Haiti, including insecurity, mass displacement, and worsening living conditions. Some analysts fear that this institutional crisis is diverting attention from critical issues such as security, elections, and constitutional stability.
The ongoing disagreement between the TPC President and the Prime Minister threatens to further destabilize Haiti’s political environment, potentially delaying the implementation of urgent solutions. In this tense climate, the inability of leaders to cooperate could exacerbate the suffering of the Haitian people, who are already facing a dire humanitarian situation.