One year after the establishment of the Presidential Transition Council (PTC), André Michel, spokesperson for the Democratic and Popular Sector (DPS) and signatory of the December 21, 2022 agreement, delivers a harsh assessment of this political structure’s performance in resolving Haiti’s crisis. In a publicly released document, the former ally of the transitional government doesn’t hesitate to label this year of shared governance as “12 months wasted.”
According to Michel, the past period has been marked by deterioration across all social, security, and economic indicators, with no significant progress toward institutional reconstruction or the organization of democratic elections. “The PTC’s tenure will remain one of the darkest episodes in the Republic’s history,” he writes, accusing the transitional body of inaction in the face of the multifaceted crisis gripping the country.
Among the most concerning issues highlighted by André Michel is the ongoing deterioration of security conditions. He points to the expansion of armed gangs into previously unaffected areas, the increase in violent acts, and the burning or looting of vital infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, businesses, and warehouses.
This widespread insecurity has triggered a massive wave of internal displacement, leaving tens of thousands of citizens homeless, without access to healthcare or education. “We are witnessing the collapse of the state in several regions. Meanwhile, the Presidential Council has failed to implement any clear strategy to regain control of the territory or provide relief to victims,” he laments.
A Call for National Dialogue
Faced with this failure, Michel advocates for a comprehensive revision of the current political approach. He calls for the urgent initiation of a national dialogue bringing together political actors, civil society, grassroots organizations, and key sectors of the country to define a new realistic and inclusive roadmap. In his view, this approach must lay the groundwork for restoring institutional order, pacifying areas under tension, and organizing transparent elections.
“It is imperative to return to the negotiating table to restore peace, rebuild institutions, enable displaced persons to return home, and organize credible elections,” he emphasizes, while categorically excluding any possibility of negotiation with armed groups.
“No dialogue with criminals”
In his statement, André Michel remains unequivocal on one point: armed gangs must never be considered political interlocutors. “No dialogue with criminals,” he insists, warning against any attempt to legitimize these groups which, according to him, now directly threaten to seize power through violence.
Michel’s call comes at a time when increasingly more voices within the political class itself are questioning the Presidential Council’s ability to ensure a successful transition. While some are calling for a thorough reform of its composition or objectives, others, like Michel, are now advocating for a complete overhaul of the current process.
