WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, the Co-Chairs of the House Haiti Caucus released the following statement:

“As the co-chairs of the House Haiti Caucus, our central mission is to lift up the voices of the Haitian people and craft U.S. policy that puts their will and wellbeing first. We believe these priorities have grown even more important in the wake of Jovenel Moïse’s assassination one week ago. 

In the past week, there has been deep confusion over the succession of power in Haiti. We appreciate and share the desire to fill this power vacuum, but that desire does not outweigh the need for Haiti’s government to be representative of its people, nor does it promise long-term stability. 

Right now, a broad-based coalition of Haitian civil society organizations are working to forge a path out of this crisis—one that restores authentic democracy and provides for a caretaker government while creating the conditions for free and fair elections in which all of Haiti’s citizens can participate safely. This will not be quick and easy work, but it is essential if we wish to avoid a false “democracy” in which elites hash out backroom deals to win power and credible elections are impossible.

The United States should support these efforts by Haitian civil society. This should include meeting with civil society representatives and resisting the urge for hasty elections without suitable conditions to ensure their success. The Haitian people have proven their desire for a safe and democratic future, and the United States must let Haitians take the lead if that future is to become a reality.” 

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