Fritz Alphonse Jean has been appointed president of Haiti’s transitional presidential council amidst ongoing conflict and gang violence. He plans to increase police and military recruitment and is committed to holding elections by February 2026. Critics express concern over legitimizing gang leaders while the council faces accusations of corruption and ineffectiveness.
Haitian economist Fritz Alphonse Jean has become the new president of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, taking over at a ceremony from architect Leslie Voltaire. This transition comes amid ongoing violence from armed gangs, marking a shift following a troubled previous transition hindered by unresolved corruption issues. Jean emphasized the need for unity, stating, “Today our country is at war, and it is imperative we unite to win.”
He outlined plans for a “corrective war budget” and pledged to recruit over 3,000 new police and army personnel to combat Haiti’s critical shortfalls in public security. Current government spending for the national police stands at about $227 million, or 9% of the 2024/25 budget, yet the force remains largely underfunded.
A U.N. mission, consisting of roughly 1,000 Kenyan troops, seeks to support local police efforts against gangs, which continue to expand control and displace over 1 million citizens, roughly 10% of Haiti’s population. Furthermore, the U.N. indicated that a stronger peacekeeping force would not be viable unless significant reductions in gang power occur.
Jean also committed to holding elections by February 7, 2026, a commitment seen favorably by the U.S., though it raises concerns regarding the legitimization of gang influence in politics. Voltaire highlighted the cordiality of the transition, noting, “the atmosphere of mutual respect, friendship, solidarity and continuity.” Jean’s presidency is set to last until August 7, with Laurent Saint-Cyr next in line. Notably, three members of the council, accused of corruption, remain on the executive council but excluded from leadership discussions. The transitional council, created in April of the previous year, has faced criticism for ineffectiveness in managing violence in the country.
Fritz Alphonse Jean’s appointment as president of Haiti’s transitional presidential council marks a renewed effort to navigate a nation engulfed in conflict and in need of immediate reforms. With a focus on enhancing security forces and committing to long-delayed elections, Jean aims to stabilize a politically fractured environment while addressing ongoing gang violence and humanitarian crises. His leadership will face substantial challenges, particularly in gaining public trust and effectively handling corruption within the council.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
