Fritz Alphonse Jean Takes Over Haiti’s Transitional Presidency Amid Gang Crisis

Haitian economist and former central bank chief Fritz Alphonse Jean assumed the rotating presidency of Haiti’s transitional presidential council on Friday, succeeding architect Leslie Voltaire in a formal ceremony. Jean takes leadership at a time when Haiti faces escalating violence from armed gangs, with the government operating from the Villa d’Accueil instead of the National Palace due to ongoing conflict. In his address, Jean emphasized national unity and pledged a “corrective war budget,” alongside training over 3,000 new police and military recruits to counter worsening insecurity.

Despite the deployment of a U.N.-backed mission, including approximately 1,000 mostly Kenyan troops, gang violence continues to expand, displacing over 1 million people—nearly 10% of Haiti’s population. The U.N. has warned that additional financial support for a peacekeeping force would only be viable if Haiti first reduces gang control. Meanwhile, Jean reaffirmed a commitment to holding long-delayed elections by February 7, 2026, as required by the constitution, though critics worry this could empower gang leaders.

Jean will hold the presidency until August 7, when businessman Laurent Saint-Cyr is set to take over until the transition’s conclusion in 2026. Political tensions persist within the nine-member council, as three members accused of corruption remain excluded from leadership discussions. The council, established in April 2024, has faced criticism from police unions and civil society groups for its inability to curb violence and restore stability.

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