PORT-AU-PRINCE — Fritz Alphonse Jean, consultant of the Montana Accord, was formally sworn in as president of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) on Friday, March 7, 2025, succeeding Leslie Voltaire from the Fanmi Lavalas political occasion, whose five-month tenure was overshadowed by worsening safety circumstances. The handover ceremony at Villa d’Accueil in Musseau, Port-au-Prince, was attended by members of the diplomatic corps and authorities officers.
Voltaire, appointed in October 2024, confronted escalating gang violence that crippled his administration’s efforts. In his farewell speech, he defended his management, highlighting key measures taken below his tenure, equivalent to:
- Deployment of the Haitian Armed Forces (FAD’H) in Vertières, Northern Division.
- Enhance in police personnel and reinforcements from the Multinational Safety Assist Mission (MSS).
- Creation of the Nationwide Safety Council.
- Formation of a Provisional Electoral Council after an eight-year delay.
- Reopening of the port of Saint-Louis-du-Sud and growth of Jacmel and Les Cayes airports.
“Over the previous 5 months, police numbers have elevated, and navy reinforcements are on the best way,” Voltaire mentioned.
But, armed gangs expanded their management over key areas within the West and Artibonite departments, together with notably Léogâne, Carrefour-Feuilles, Delmas, Kenscoff, Petite Rivière and Gros-Morne, forcing hundreds to flee.
“We aren’t glad. There may be nonetheless a lot to be carried out to make sure safety and shield lives and property,” Voltaire admitted.
Regardless of his administration’s efforts, public notion of Voltaire’s management stays overwhelmingly unfavorable, with critics notably viewing his tenure as a failure in addressing Haiti’s deepening disaster.
Fritz Alphonse Jean’s technique: A warfare funds and safety reforms
Now main the CPT, Jean has vowed a extra aggressive method to tackling Haiti’s safety disaster.
“Our nation is at warfare right this moment,” Jean declared throughout his official speech. “We’d like a war-adjusted funds to mobilize assets and restore safety.”
His key safety measures embrace recruiting 3,000 further police and navy personnel, increasing aerial and maritime surveillance to strengthen border safety and activating the Nationwide Intelligence Company to enhance coordination between safety forces.
Jean additionally emphasised a crackdown on corruption, pledging to bolster oversight establishments, together with the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) and the Superior Courtroom of Accounts and Administrative Litigation (CSCCA).
He additional introduced the creation of a public hotline for residents to report abuses inside authorities businesses, together with Immigration, Customs and Normal Tax Directorate (DGI).
“Corruption is fueling this disaster. Strengthening our establishments is important for nationwide stability,” the brand new CPT president mentioned.
Financial, humanitarian and election priorities
Past safety, Jean additionally harassed the significance of reviving Haiti’s economic system, which has been in freefall amid continued instability amid six consecutive years of decline.
“We should create the proper circumstances to restart financial exercise,” he mentioned.
Throughout 5-month, he plans to realize the next actions:
- Assist home manufacturing to spice up GDP and encourage funding
- Relocate internally displaced individuals and set up reception facilities for deported Haitians
- Increase meals help packages to fight starvation amongst Haiti’s most susceptible populations
Regardless of the pressing safety and financial challenges, Jean reaffirmed that holding elections stays the CPT’s prime precedence.
“Our major purpose stays holding elections as scheduled on Feb. 7, 2026,” he emphasised.
Jean, now the third president of the CPT in lower than a 12 months because the establishment’s set up, is about to steer till Aug. 7, 2025. Then, he’ll hand over energy to Laurent Saint-Cyr, who will probably be chargeable for organizing Haiti’s long-awaited elections. These alternate appointments have been agreed upon based on an settlement voted by the CPT members final 12 months.
Public skepticism stays excessive
Whereas Jean’s bold plans have drawn consideration, many Haitians stay uncertain concerning the CPT’s means to ship outcomes.
On the swearing-in ceremony, protesters expressed frustration over the federal government’s continued failures.
“Three presidents have come and gone, but nothing has been carried out to actually resolve the safety disaster,” mentioned one demonstrator, holding an indication that learn: “Fritz Alphonse Jean = Safety?”
As Jean begins his time period, Haitians are watching intently—ready to see if his management will deliver actual change or simply one other failed try at restoring stability.
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Fritz Alphonse Jean turns into new president of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council was first posted on March 7, 2025 at 5:05 pm.