PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Major business associations and chambers of commerce have issued a stark warning about Haiti’s escalating political instability, expressing profound concern that current tensions could derail the nation’s fragile transition process.
In a collectively signed statement released this week, six prominent private sector organizations emphasized that Haiti stands at a critical juncture as it approaches significant institutional deadlines. The business coalition urgently called for restraint and responsible leadership, arguing that the country cannot afford further confrontation or hasty decision-making during this delicate phase.
The organizations threw their unequivocal support behind Laurent Saint-Cyr, Coordinator of the Presidential Transitional Council, endorsing his January 20th appeal for structured dialogue across all sectors of national life. They stressed that institutional accountability and maintained stability constitute essential prerequisites for safeguarding Haiti’s national interests.
Acknowledging recent security improvements achieved under Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé’s administration, the business leaders noted tangible progress in combating insecurity through coordinated efforts of the Haitian National Police, Armed Forces, and international partners. However, they cautioned that these hard-won gains remain fragile and could be rapidly undone by political instability.
The statement outlined multiple concerning repercussions of continued political turmoil: compromised coordination of security operations, jeopardized international support, demoralization of security forces engaged in high-risk operations, potential reversal of advances against armed groups, and intensified suffering among the civilian population.
Emphasizing that the current transitional framework establishes clear deadlines and responsibilities, the signatories called upon all institutional actors to immediately cease any unilateral or destabilizing actions. They urged prioritization of dialogue and consensus-building among Haiti’s vital societal forces, appealing for historically responsible leadership toward the Haitian people.
The organized private sector reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to lasting stability, preserving institutional continuity, defending the rule of law, and supporting an effective transition leading to credible elections—identified as the only viable path to democratic renewal.
Signatory organizations included the Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH), American Chamber of Commerce in Haiti (AmCham), Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the West (CCIO), Haitian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIHC), Haitian Tourism Association (ATH), and the Macaya Institute.