Haiti: From Cynicism to Collective Action - A Call to the Diaspora
Haiti's recent experiment in unity, the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC), faces its first hurdle by naming a new Prime Minister without consultation and outside the process that they agreed upon just a few short weeks ago. Some see this hurdle as a sign of failure, overlooking the critical need for the council to succeed. These critics, however, fail to consider the high stakes involved. Haiti cannot afford another failed attempt at unity. The collapse of the TPC would solidify the dangerous belief that Haitians are incapable of working together and unfit for self-governance. In this critical context, with time a pressing factor, we must push the TPC members to act in ways that foster trust and unity.
Formed just weeks ago, a faction within the council has already moved to solidify a power bloc, raising fears of a return to the divisive politics that have plagued Haiti. The council's very existence was necessary because no single group, political party, or coalition could take power on its own. While these maneuvers by a majority in the council might be seen as normal political maneuvering elsewhere, they are not suitable for a nation where trust is scarce and societal divisions run deep. In Haiti's fragile environment, the "majority's" actions threaten the very foundation of the TPC – a body designed to transcend these very issues.
A History of Exclusion Demands a Different Path
Though fraught with difficulty, the TPC's creation offered a chance for Haitians to break the cycle of exclusion and move forward through consensus. However, the recent alliance within the TPC risks perpetuating the divisions that have crippled Haiti. In a country where no single group can or should unilaterally impose its will, collaboration is essential.
This situation brings me to the powerful message delivered by Angela Merkel in her final address as Chancellor of Germany: "Trust one another. Democracy depends on solidarity and trust, including the trust in facts." These words hold deep significance for Haiti's current predicament, where solidarity is critical for securing a stable future.
The Diaspora's Crucial Role: Stepping Up and Stepping In
The Haitian diaspora holds immense potential in this critical moment. However, as a community, we reflect the same divisions that exist in Haiti. We also consume media that thrives on negativity. The paradox is that while we understandably criticize the media for highlighting conflict, we, the consumers, also gravitate toward negativity. This breeds cynicism and disengagement.
As I've emphasized in my previous articles, "Haitian-American Leaders Need to Step-up but Also Step-in" and "Anticipating and Seizing the Moment: 6 Key Demands for Haitian Diaspora Inclusion", we must move beyond criticism to become active participants in Haiti's path forward. Leadership within the diaspora isn't about positions of power, but about uniting diverse groups towards shared goals.
Harnessing the Diaspora's Collective Power
In this article - an open letter to Haitian leaders - I called on organizations like the National Haitian Elected Officials Network (NHAEON), the United Front of the Haitian Diaspora, the Haitian-American Foundation for Democracy, le Forum Haïtien Pour la Paix et le Développement Durable (FOHPDD), the Haitian Diaspora Political Action Committee (HDPAC), the Haitian United Council, the Haitian-American Professional Coalition (HAPC), the Coalition, the Haitian Congress to Fortify Haiti, and all others involved in advocacy to find a way to work together and harness the collective power of Haitians in the United States.
The diaspora's voice can be a game-changer. Core issues like maintaining dual citizenship and securing voting rights from abroad offer a starting point for collaboration. These are not just logistical demands; they are cornerstones of a more inclusive and representative Haiti. However, advocacy alone isn't enough. We need to actively participate in national discussions by supporting the establishment of a diaspora voting mechanism and representation in critical discussions.
A Call to Action: Engaged, United, and Proactive
To truly impact Haiti's future, we must embrace Merkel's call for trust and move beyond historical divisions. This journey will be challenging, but I firmly believe, that "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." We must break down barriers and co-create new frameworks that allow for full participation and representation of all Haitians, regardless of location or social standing.
The TPC's success is not guaranteed, but the diaspora can tip the scales in its favor by adding our collective voice. This requires moving beyond mere criticism or complaints about bad politicians or oligarchs. We need to become active participants.
The diaspora must unite around core demands: securing dual citizenship in the next constitution, establishing voting rights from abroad, and gaining representation in Haiti's legislative bodies. These goals, as outlined in my previous article, benefit all Haitians regardless of political affiliation. They serve as a launching pad for further collective actions, such as electing a diaspora representative for the upcoming national dialogue.
For these demands to become a reality, we must remain engaged, demand accountability from the TPC, and pressure them to act in the best interests of all Haitians.
As Haiti confronts this critical juncture, our informed, united, and proactive participation can tip the scales toward a more democratic and stable future. Let us shed the cloak of cynicism and embrace the mantle of active citizenship. Together, let's transform the TPC misstep into a turning point for engagement.