Fritz Alphonse Jean Assumes Leadership amid Haiti’s Ongoing Crisis

Fritz Alphonse Jean has officially become the head of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, following a friendly transition. His administration plans to enhance the police force and prepare for elections by February 2026, amidst rising gang violence and significant internal displacement across the country.

On Friday, Haitian economist Fritz Alphonse Jean assumed the presidency of the transitional presidential council, succeeding architect Leslie Voltaire in a cordial ceremony. This transition follows a previous contentious change in leadership exacerbated by unresolved corruption issues. Jean expressed gratitude to Voltaire during the ceremony held at the Villa d’Accueil, the current headquarters for the government, as the National Palace is increasingly embroiled in violence.

In his inaugural speech, Jean emphasized the urgency to unite against the ongoing conflict, asserting, “Today our country is at war, and it is imperative we unite to win.” He outlined his commitment to initiate a “corrective war budget” and enlist over 3,000 new recruits for the police and army to combat personnel shortages.

Government data indicates a $227 million allocation, approximately 9% of the 2024/25 budget, is dedicated to the national police, though reports suggest these forces remain underfunded and inadequately equipped. A U.N.-backed mission with nearly 1,000 troops from Kenya has been established in Haiti, yet gang influence continues to expand, leading to significant increases in internal displacements.

As of now, over 1 million individuals have been internally displaced, representing nearly 10% of Haiti’s population. The U.N. recently addressed the feasibility of enhancing peacekeeping forces, intimating that successful reduction of gang control is a prerequisite for stronger financial support. Additionally, Jean reaffirmed his goal to conduct long-postponed elections by the constitutional deadline of February 7, 2026, a plan that faces criticism for potentially legitimizing gang leaders’ power.

Voltaire remarked that the leadership transition was characterized by “an atmosphere of mutual respect, friendship, solidarity and continuity.” Jean’s presidential tenure is expected to last until August 7, prior to Laurent Saint-Cyr’s assumption of office leading up to the 2026 elections. Notably, three members of the council accused of corruption continue to occupy their positions, casting further shadows on the transition process. The transitional council, established in April 2022, has faced scrutiny from various sectors, including police unions, due to its failure to adequately tackle escalating violence.

Fritz Alphonse Jean’s ascension to the presidency of Haiti’s transitional council arrives amid escalating instability and conflict with armed gangs. His administration aims to address security deficiencies and mobilize resources for police reform while navigating the complexities of corruption and electoral integrity. The transitional council, established amidst political discord, faces continued scrutiny from society and pressure to implement effective governance measures.

Original Source: www.usnews.com