February 17, 2026
A new fault line has emerged within the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) following the resolution adopted on January 21 by a majority of councilors in favor of a change in government.
In a letter dated January 23 and addressed to the TPC president, Laurent Saint-Cyr—of which Haiti Chronicle has obtained a copy—councilor-president Smith Augustin expresses his concerns about this initiative. He warns of the risk of deepening internal divisions and further weakening the institutional foundations of the state.
While acknowledging the legitimacy of demands raised by several national sectors, he notes that many political sensitivities, including within his own political camp, make any government reconfiguration conditional upon a prior agreement.
In this context, Smith Augustin urges the TPC coordinator to swiftly convene a consultation meeting.
This initiative aims to establish a minimum common ground, deemed essential for political stability, continuity of the state, and respect for constitutional deadlines for the organization of credible elections.
