Haitian Bishop Dumas steps back from national mediation effort

Haitian Bishop Pierre-André Dumas has withdrawn from a proposed national mediation process aimed at preventing political instability ahead of the end of the Transitional Presidential Council’s (CPT) mandate on February 7, 2026, citing misinformation, misinterpretation and manipulation surrounding his involvement.

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Mgr. Dumas, Bishop of Anse-à-Veau and Miragoâne and Vice-President of the Haitian Episcopal Conference, announced his decision in a public statement released on social media on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

His withdrawal follows a letter sent last week to Laurent Saint-Cyr, President pro tempore and Coordinator of the CPT, in which Dumas confirmed that, at the request of several national civil society and political organizations, as well as international entities, he had agreed to conduct mediation “with gravity and conscience” in an effort to prevent potential chaos at the close of the council’s mandate.

In his statement, Dumas emphasized that he never personally offered himself as a mediator and that the initiatives linking his name to the mediation process originated from external requests by political coalitions, civil society groups, institutions, and national and international figures. He expressed gratitude to those who had placed their trust in him.

Dumas said his acceptance of the requests was undertaken in a strictly pastoral capacity and in communion with the Church, stressing that he never acted, nor claimed to act, as an official representative of the Haitian Episcopal Conference. He also reiterated that he is not affiliated with any political organization, describing his role solely as that of a pastor.

“As a shepherd of God’s people,” Dumas said, “I have always considered it my duty to listen to everyone, to speak to everyone, and to encourage every sincere initiative oriented toward the common good,” adding that his intention was not to craft a political solution but to help restore dialogue where it had broken down.

He underscored his belief in what the Church refers to as a “culture of encounter,” rooted in listening, dialogue and the replacement of violence with conversation. Drawing on teachings from Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis, Dumas said pastors do not govern but have a responsibility to enlighten consciences and encourage initiatives aimed at peace, justice and dignity.

However, he said that in recent days inaccurate information and misinterpretations had circulated in the public domain, creating confusion. After consulting advisers, praying and reflecting on the guidance of the Church, he decided to withdraw from all direct and operational involvement in the mediation process.

Dumas stressed that his decision should not be interpreted as indifference or abandonment, stating that he remains deeply committed to Haiti and confident in the capacity of Haitians to pursue a genuine national mediation process.

“A Haitian solution is possible,” he said, pointing to the country’s history as evidence that national reconciliation can be achieved through courage and responsibility.

Reflecting personally, Dumas referenced injuries he sustained in a 2008 fire, describing them as a reminder of Haiti’s own scars caused by internal divisions and violence. He said that just as he recovered through faith, he believes Haiti “can, must, and will rise again.”

Dumas concluded by reaffirming his availability to support Haiti through prayer and moral encouragement, calling for respect for Haitian sovereignty and urging citizens to choose “life, responsibility, and hope.”

The statement was dated January 13, 2026, and issued from Miami and Anse-à-Veau.