Fritz Alphonse Jean Assumes Presidency Amidst Ongoing Conflict in Haiti
Fritz Alphonse Jean became the president of Haiti’s transitional council, succeeding Leslie Voltaire. He addressed ongoing gang violence and pledged to enhance police and military recruitment. Despite a substantial budget allocation, security remains a pressing issue as internal displacement rises. Jean aims to hold elections by February 2026, amid concerns about legitimizing gang power.
On Friday, Fritz Alphonse Jean, a Haitian economist and former central bank chief, assumed the presidency of Haiti’s transitional presidential council amidst ongoing violence from armed gangs. This transition, marked by a friendly ceremony, took place at the Villa d’Accueil due to security concerns surrounding the National Palace in Port-au-Prince.
In his inaugural address, Jean emphasized the necessity of unity, stating, “Today our country is at war, and it is imperative we unite to win.” He pledged to reform the nation’s war budget and to recruit and train over 3,000 new police and military personnel within the year to combat personnel shortages.
Despite a reported $227 million allocation for the national police, the force remains under-resourced as gang violence escalates. A U.N.-backed mission has deployed approximately 1,000 predominantly Kenyan troops in Haiti, yet gang control continues to expand, displacing over 1 million people, representing nearly 10% of the population.
Moreover, the U.N. has determined that requests for a more substantial peacekeeping force hinge on significant reductions in gang power. Jean has committed to conducting long-overdue elections by the constitutional deadline of February 7, 2026, a decision that has received both support and criticism, the latter being concerned over potential validation of gang leaders.
Former President Leslie Voltaire highlighted the positive spirit of the transition, noting it occurred “in an atmosphere of mutual respect, friendship, solidarity and continuity.” Jean’s presidency, set to last until August 7, 2025, will precede businessman Laurent Saint-Cyr’s leadership until the constitutional deadline in early 2026. The transitional council, established in April 2024, has faced criticism for its inability to effectively address the rampant violence, as some council members remain accused of corruption without facing accountability.
Fritz Alphonse Jean has assumed leadership of Haiti’s transitional presidential council during a critical juncture marked by violent gang conflicts and significant internal displacement. His immediate focus includes restructuring the national security budget and personnel recruitment. However, challenges persist as both the U.N. and local authorities question the feasibility of achieving stability without addressing gang control. Jean’s commitment to electoral governance by February 2026 has elicited mixed reactions, underscoring the complexity of Haiti’s political landscape amidst ongoing violence.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
