Haitian economist Fritz Alphonse Jean has succeeded Leslie Voltaire as president of the transitional presidential council amid escalating gang violence. Jean’s focus includes enhancing police and army personnel, addressing underfunding in security, and committing to elections by February 2026. Despite the positive tone of the transition, significant challenges, including ongoing gang control and corruption among council members, persist.
Fritz Alphonse Jean, a Haitian economist and former central bank chief, has assumed the presidency of Haiti’s transitional presidential council amid ongoing armed conflict with gangs. His inauguration from Leslie Voltaire occurred during a cordial ceremony at the Villa d’Accueil, the government headquarters, rather than the National Palace, which has become increasingly dangerous due to violence.
In his inaugural speech, Jean emphasized the urgency for national unity to combat the ongoing state of war, pledging to implement a new budget strategy focused on military and police training. He aims to recruit over 3,000 new personnel this year to address critical shortages in security forces, despite the current police budget being markedly insufficient at approximately $227 million, constituting only 9% of the country’s fiscal plan.
The United Nations has partially deployed a peacekeeping mission to aid local law enforcement, although gangs continue to extend their territory, resulting in the internal displacement of over 1 million Haitians. The U.N. highlighted the necessity for significant reductions in gang control before considering the deployment of a more robust peacekeeping force.
Jean reiterated his commitment to conducting long-overdue elections before the constitutional deadline of February 7, 2026, a plan supported by the United States but criticized for potentially legitimizing gang leaders. The recent transition was characterized by Voltaire as taking place in an atmosphere of respect, solidarity, and continuity, amidst ongoing political challenges.
Jean’s presidency is intended to last until August 7, after which businessman Laurent Saint-Cyr will assume leadership through the February 2026 elections. However, three members of the governing council, currently accused of corruption, remain influential within the council’s nine-member executive body, further complicating efforts to stabilize the nation.
The leadership transition in Haiti reflects a crucial moment as Fritz Alphonse Jean takes on the presidency amid significant challenges posed by armed gangs and a struggling law enforcement system. His promises of increased security training and a commitment to timely elections underscore a strategic approach to address the political instability and violence plaguing the nation. As the transitional council navigates these issues, the ongoing threat from gangs remains a pressing concern for both national and international stakeholders.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
