Fritz Alphonse Jean has been appointed as the transitional president of Haiti, succeeding Leslie Voltaire in a friendly ceremony amidst escalating gang violence. He aims to recruit new police forces and conduct elections by 2026 while navigating persistent challenges, including underfunded security and corruption allegations within the council.
Fritz Alphonse Jean, a Haitian economist and former central bank chief, has assumed the presidency of Haiti’s transitional presidential council. The transition took place in a cordial ceremony where he succeeded architect Leslie Voltaire. This follows a tumultuous transfer of power last October, where a refusal to sign a transition decree over corruption issues delayed the process.
Jean expressed gratitude to Voltaire during the ceremony held at the Villa d’Accueil, now the government headquarters due to ongoing violence in Port-au-Prince. He acknowledged the country’s ongoing conflict with armed gangs, stating, “Today our country is at war, and it is imperative we unite to win.” Jean emphasized the need for a revised war budget and plans to recruit over 3,000 new police and army personnel to combat the severe shortages.
The government’s allocation for the national police is approximately $227 million, accounting for 9% of its 2024/25 budget, but remains critically underfunded. A U.N.-backed mission with around 1,000 Kenyan troops has begun to assist local police, yet gangs have gained ground, displacing over 1 million people within Haiti.
The U.N. highlighted that Haiti’s appeals for a stronger peacekeeping force are contingent upon significantly reducing gang influence. Jean reiterated his commitment to conducting long-postponed elections by a constitutional deadline on February 7, 2026, a move that both the United States supports and critics warn may empower gangster factions.
The transition led by Jean is set to last until August 7, after which businessman Laurent Saint-Cyr will assume the role. Despite ongoing allegations of corruption against three council members, they remain part of the leadership structure, sparking criticism from society and police unions for the council’s inability to effectively address violence.
In summary, Fritz Alphonse Jean’s ascension to the transitional presidency marks a significant yet challenging period for Haiti amidst ongoing gang violence and political instability. With a commitment to enhance security forces and hold elections by a set deadline, Jean’s leadership seeks to unite the nation. However, the persistent issues of corruption and increasing gang control pose significant hurdles.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
