Mgr. Pierre-André Dumas, Bishop of Anse-à-Veau and Miragoâne and Vice-President of the Haitian Episcopal Conference, explained his decision to withdraw from the mediation process in a statement published on social media on Wednesday, January 14, 2025.

Explanatory Note from Bishop Dumas :

"Haitian people,

Beloved brothers and sisters,

For several days now, as you know, my name has been circulating in the public sphere in connection with a possible national mediation, at a particularly critical moment in the life of our country. For the sake of history and truth, and out of respect, peace, and responsibility, I wish to provide the necessary clarifications and announce my decision with complete transparency and serenity.

First, I want to make it clear that I have never personally offered myself as a mediator. The initiatives mentioning my name arose from external requests from political coalitions, civil society organizations, major institutions, and national and international figures (https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46608-haiti-flash-mgr-dumas-agrees-to-lead-the-mediation-at-the-end-of-the-cpt-s-mandate.html). To all those who have placed their trust in me, I express my respectful gratitude.

When I accepted these requests, I did so in a strictly pastoral spirit, in communion with the Church, without ever acting or claiming to act as an official representative of the Conference of Bishops of Haiti.

I also reiterate, consistently, that I am not a member of any political organization. My mission is that of a pastor. As a shepherd of God’s people, 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, in accordance with the Gospel and the dignity of the human person.

If I have respectfully accepted certain requests, it is because I deeply believe in what the Church calls the culture of encounter : listening without excluding, engaging in dialogue without condemning, creating spaces where words can replace violence. My intention has never been to develop a political solution, but rather, as a pastor, to help restore dialogue where it has broken down.

As Saint John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis have reminded us, commitment to the common good is one of the noblest expressions of social charity. Pastors do not govern, but they have a duty to enlighten consciences, to accompany those involved, and to encourage every authentic initiative oriented toward peace, justice, and dignity. The mediator can open the door; but it is the sons and daughters of Haiti themselves who must cross it together with courage and responsibility.

However, in recent days, inaccurate information, misinterpretations, and various forms of manipulation have circulated, creating confusion and misunderstandings in public opinion. After receiving wise counsel, discerning the situation in prayer, and considering the wisdom of the Church, I have decided to withdraw from all direct and operational involvement in this specific mediation process.

This withdrawal does not signify indifference, discouragement, or abandonment. Quite the contrary.

I have a profound belief in Haiti.

I have a profound belief in Haitians.

I remain convinced that there are women and men of worth in this country, institutions, and organizations capable of transcending particular interests and courageously and competently undertaking a genuine national mediation process.

A Haitian solution is possible. Our history bears witness to this.

Yes, we can make history.

Yes, we can forge a new path—not of violence, but of reconciliation—ushering in a renewed era of liberty, equality, fraternity, and prosperity, faithful to the ideals of our Founding Fathers.

My body bears the marks of fire https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41764-haiti-news-zapping.html . My wounded flesh reminds me daily that Haiti, too, has been scarred by internal divisions, by fratricidal violence, and by dynamics that have sometimes undermined its dignity and sovereignty. But as I rose from the ashes by the grace of Almighty God, I believe with unwavering faith that Haiti can, must, and will rise again.

I will always remain available to my country and my fellow citizens. I will continue to pray, to call upon consciences, and to support every sincere initiative for dialogue, peace, and national reconstruction. Let us honor our ancestors.

Let's support Haitian sovereignty.

Let's choose life, responsibility, and hope.

God bless Haiti.

God bless its people."

Done in Miami and Anse-à-Veau, January 13, 2026

Caritas Christi urget nos !

Mgr. Pierre-André Dumas, Bishop of Anse-à-Veau and Miragoâne

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46617-haiti-politic-me-jean-henry-ceant-opposes-the-mediation-of-mgr-dumas-letter.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46608-haiti-flash-mgr-dumas-agrees-to-lead-the-mediation-at-the-end-of-the-cpt-s-mandate.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41764-haiti-news-zapping.html

HL/ HaitiLibre