Fritz Alphonse Jean has assumed the presidency of Haiti’s transitional council, succeeding Leslie Voltaire, amid ongoing conflicts with armed gangs. He pledged to address police shortages and unite the country, while also committing to long-overdue elections by February 2026. The situation remains critical, with over 1 million internally displaced individuals and ongoing criticism of the transitional council’s effectiveness.
On Friday, Fritz Alphonse Jean, a Haitian economist and former central bank chief, assumed the presidency of Haiti’s transitional presidential council during a cordial ceremony. He succeeded architect Leslie Voltaire amid ongoing conflict with armed gangs in the country. This transition comes after a tumultuous period in October when the previous president declined to sign the transition decree due to a corruption scandal.
During the ceremony at Villa d’Accueil, now serving as the government headquarters, Jean expressed gratitude to Voltaire. He remarked on the dire situation in Haiti, stating, “Today our country is at war, and it is imperative we unite to win.” Jean committed to implementing a “corrective war budget” and training over 3,000 new recruits for the police and army to address personnel shortages.
The government currently allocates approximately $227 million, or 9% of its 2024/25 budget, to the national police, as reported by U.N. data. Despite this allocation, the police force remains underfunded. A U.N.-backed mission, including about 1,000 predominantly Kenyan troops, has begun deploying in Haiti to support the police; however, the gangs continue to expand their territory, displacing hundreds of thousands.
Currently, over 1 million individuals are internally displaced in Haiti, which constitutes nearly 10% of the population. The U.N. indicated that Haiti’s request for a stronger peacekeeping force remains unfeasible until gang control is significantly diminished. A proposed hybrid model could enhance the limited voluntary security support received thus far.
Jean also reaffirmed his intention to conduct long-awaited elections by the constitutional deadline of February 7, 2026. The United States has supported this initiative, although critics express concerns about its potential to legitimize gang leaders. Voltaire characterized the transition as taking place in “an atmosphere of mutual respect, friendship, solidarity and continuity.”
Jean will serve until August 7 this year, followed by businessman Laurent Saint-Cyr, who is expected to lead until the February 2026 deadline. The nine-member top executive council includes three members accused of corruption, who remain excluded from leadership discussions. The transitional council established in April last year has faced criticism from various societal sectors, including the two main police unions for its ineffective response to violence.
In summary, Fritz Alphonse Jean has taken over the presidency of Haiti’s transitional council, facing significant challenges due to ongoing violence from armed gangs. His commitment to unify the country and address police recruitment is pivotal amid substantial internal displacement. The international community remains wary of the proposed elections, while concerns about corruption within the council persist. Jean’s leadership will be closely observed as Haiti navigates through its complex political landscape.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
