Haiti’s presidential council has dissolved after nearly two years of turbulent rule, while US-backed Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé remains in office as the country prepares for its first general elections in a decade.

The nine-member council formally stepped down on Saturday following internal disputes, including a failed attempt by some members to remove the prime minister. The move comes amid worsening gang violence, with armed groups controlling about 90 percent of the capital, Port-au-Prince.

Days before the council’s dissolution, the United States deployed a warship and Coast Guard vessels near Haiti. Washington also revoked visas of several council members after they challenged the prime minister’s position.

In a televised address, Fils-Aimé promised to restore security, hold elections and launch an emergency humanitarian plan. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, saying he could not promise “miracles.”

Haiti has been without an elected president since the 2021 assassination of Jovenel Moïse. The presidential council was formed in 2024 to guide a political transition but failed to curb gang violence or stabilize the country.

Many Haitians welcomed the council’s departure, expressing hope for stronger leadership amid ongoing insecurity and a deep humanitarian crisis.