PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Amid ongoing turmoil and violence, a new leader has been inaugurated to head the council responsible for preparing Haiti for future presidential elections. Economist Fritz Alphonse Jean, who has a background as a former central bank governor, has taken over from Leslie Voltaire in leading the transitional presidential council. This body was established in 2024 following the violent insurgence in the capital that resulted in the resignation of then Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
In a solemn ceremony held in Port-au-Prince, Jean referred to the current situation in Haiti as a “war,” urging citizens to unify in confronting the severe security issues plaguing the nation. He stressed the importance of unity in overcoming the challenges at hand, stating, “Our country is at war today. We need to be united to win this battle.”
The transitional presidential council is partnering with Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé to manage the country’s affairs and is tasked with organizing general elections scheduled for February 2026. Despite these efforts, Haiti, especially its capital, remains besieged by relentless gang violence. Reports from the United Nations indicate that gangs now exert control over 85% of Port-au-Prince, a concerning figure given the presence of an international mission supported by the UN and led by Kenyan forces. This mission recently faced a setback with casualties during a confrontation with gang factions.
As Jean assumed leadership, he called for a moment of silence to honor both the Haitian forces and the Kenyan police who have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict. In response to the escalating violence, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has suggested the establishment of a specialized U.N. office. This initiative would offer resources such as drones, fuel, and both ground and aerial transport to augment the Kenyan-led mission’s capabilities.
The security challenges in Haiti have had grave consequences, with over 5,600 fatalities recorded in 2024 alone. This marks an increase of 1,000 deaths compared to the previous year, as documented by the United Nations.
