Haiti's Perpetual Motion Machine of 'Transitional Governance'
The receipts speak for themselves: THE CLAIM: Al Jazeera states that Haiti's transitional council has approved a new 'US-backed prime minister,' Fils-Aimé, noting his predecessor's attempts to resist the council and the recent deployment of a US warship near Haiti's capital. The implication is a move toward stability facilitated by international actors. THE EVIDENCE: The term 'transitional
national council' itself is a recurring feature in nations experiencing external intervention. In 2004, Haiti's democratically elected President Jean-Bertrand Aristide was forced from power by US, French, and Canadian forces. Post-Aristide, Haiti entered an era of 'provisional' governments and 'international stabilization' missions (MINUSTAH, UNCT). This latest iteration, a 'transitional council,'
is the most recent in a series dating back over two decades (Center for Economic and Policy Research, 2015). Fils-Aimé was chosen for his role in the interim government previously (Reuters, 2024), indicating a continuity of influence, not a fresh start. THE CONTRADICTIONS: The narrative of 'US-backed' leadership being installed by a 'transitional council' following a US warship deployment presents
a double standard. When nations select leaders without external validation, it is often framed as 'authoritarianism' or 'instability.' Yet, when a significant international power facilitates a change of leadership in a sovereign nation like Haiti, especially after a period of instability and a military presence, it is presented as a step towards 'order.' The very 'transitional' nature of the