Haiti’s Path to Stability: CARICOM Summit and US Engagement Amidst Ongoing Crisis
St. Kitts and Nevis – Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé attended the 50th Caribbean Community (CARICOM) summit this week, seeking support for Haiti’s “National Pact for Stability” as the nation grapples with a deepening political, economic and security crisis. The summit also saw Fils-Aimé meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, signaling continued, though complex, U.S. Engagement in the troubled nation.
CARICOM Summit Focuses on Regional Stability
The CARICOM summit, held February 24-27 in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, placed Haiti’s crisis at the forefront of discussions, recognizing the potential for instability to spread throughout the region. The conference theme, “Going beyond words: Acting today for a prosperous and sustainable CARICOM,” underscored the urgency of finding solutions. Fils-Aimé used the opportunity to reaffirm Haiti’s commitment to working with CARICOM member states to strengthen regional stability and prosperity [Haitian Times].
US Engagement and the National Pact
Alongside the CARICOM meetings, Fils-Aimé held bilateral talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. These discussions centered on restoring institutional stability, strengthening public security, and creating conditions for credible elections in Haiti [Caribbean National Weekly]. The “National Pact for Stability and the Organization of Elections,” signed by Fils-Aimé on Monday, was a key topic of conversation, presented as a step towards democratic transition.
Rubio acknowledged the pact as a sign of unity among Haitian political forces and civil society, expressing hope that it would rebuild national and international trust [Caribbean National Weekly]. The pact recognizes Fils-Aimé as head of the executive branch and outlines plans to restore security, organize elections, and assist victims of gang violence. Even though, it notably lacks a clear deadline for his departure from office.
Security Concerns and International Assistance
The escalating security situation in Haiti dominated discussions. Fils-Aimé outlined his government’s efforts to restore state authority and dismantle criminal networks, appealing for enhanced bilateral cooperation to strengthen the Haitian National Police. He also sought support for the deployment of the Gang Repression Force (FRG), requesting specialized personnel, equipment, logistics, and financial assistance [Caribbean National Weekly]. Countries like Canada and Japan are expected to contribute to the Kenya-led mission [Haitian Times].
Challenges to Elections and Long-Term Stability
Despite the commitments to elections, significant obstacles remain. Nearly 90 percent of the capital, Port-au-Prince, is estimated to be under the influence of armed groups as of July 2025 [Haitian Times]. Over a million people have been displaced by gang violence, creating a major hurdle for participation in any electoral process. There is no credible electoral registry, and the capacity to organize a legitimate vote is severely limited.
Concerns about impunity also persist, with calls for accountability for political and business figures accused of financing armed groups. The withdrawal of the UN Stabilisation Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) in 2017 left a fragile police force and unresolved political tensions, contributing to the current security vacuum.
‘Haiti Fatigue’ and Uncertain Future
Observers note a growing sense of “Haiti fatigue” among international donors and governments, with waning appetite for large-scale resource commitments without a clear political roadmap. The situation leaves open two potential trajectories: sustained force to dismantle the gangs, or the possibility of some armed actors seeking political integration. As one observer noted, “Anything is possible in Haiti.”