Summary: For over two centuries, international interventions in Haiti have failed to serve the Haitian people; undermining their democracy and sovereignty. The recent imposition of a new seven-president government by CARICOM, with the support of the U.S. State Secretary Anthony Blinken, is yet another example of this harmful interference.
International assistance and cooperation mandates are to support regional governance and local development. However, for over 200 years, they have been a disservice to the people of Haiti as they circumvent Haiti’s established legal processes and institutions and violate the very principles of democracy and the rule of law it purports to uphold. Their latest intervention in imposing a new government on the people of Haiti proves that the international community has no intention of addressing the root causes of the country’s political instability and fostering sustainable development.
CARICOM’s decision, empowered by Mr. Anthony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, negotiating with a handful of Haitian leaders to impose a seven-member government in the interest of stability and progress, has instead resulted in a blatant disregard for Haitian traditions, sovereignty, and constitutional norms. It further perpetuates the perception that the international community, under the guise of regional cooperation, has one more time manipulated and controlled Haiti’s political destiny.
Such interference not only sabotages the legitimacy of the Haitian government but also fosters resentment among the Haitian people, who rightly cherish their sovereignty and right to self-determination. CARICOM’s political overreach sets a troubling precedent for regional governance and risks destabilizing a fragile political landscape.
CARICOM prevented Haitians from charting their course free from external interference. As a regional body committed to solidarity and cooperation, CARICOM must have heeded that call and worked towards a genuine partnership based on mutual respect and sovereignty.
As usual, the United States government played a significant role in forming that illegal and unconstitutional government in Haiti. This is why Haitian Americans must reject the government imposed by CARICOM and send a clear message that they will not vote this year until the United States government recalls the CARICOM misguided and ill-conceived decision. Moreover, the people of Haiti must seek avenues to bring a class action lawsuit before international courts against the international community for violating the Haitian democratic structure.
Bobb Rousseau, PhD
Policy Analyst
Apostrophe Consulting
