DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

Contrary to what had been originally scheduled, Smith Augustin was not named president of the Haiti Presidential Transition Council. Instead, architect Leslie Voltaire was named on 7 October 2024 for the term that ends in March 2025. He is a representative of the Fanmi Lavalas party. His inauguration was not attended by his processor, Edgard Leblanc Fils, Haitian press reported.

In his speech, Voltaire acknowledged the significant responsibility that comes with his new leadership role. He paid tribute to the victims of recent violence, particularly those affected by unrest in the Pont-Sondé area earlier in the week. “The hour is grave,” he emphasized, calling for national reconciliation and a commitment to leaving a future free from violence and instability for the next generations.

Recognizing the considerable challenges ahead, Voltaire admitted that the Haitian state has...