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 much work to do. “We have not yet restored security for our population,” he stated, vowing that he and his colleagues would continue to serve with patriotism and dedication in fulfilling their mission.
Voltaire issued a strong call for national unity, urging the CPT, the government, civil society, and all sectors of the nation to unite against those who seek to sow division. “We must prove to the world that this great nation is capable of creating the necessary conditions for the long-awaited renewal. We must govern differently,” he declared passionately.
The new council president painted a bleak picture of the country’s current situation, lamenting the plight of Haitians forced to flee their homes in search of a better life, only to face persecution, particularly in the Dominican Republic.
While not naming Dominican President Luis Abinader, Voltaire criticized recent measures against Haitian migrants. The Abinader administration has stepped up efforts to stem migration of undocumented persons from Haiti after the situation in Haiti has not improved. Local experts such as Ivan Gaton say immigration of undocumented and impoverished Haitians to the Dominican Republic is seen as the escape valve to the continuing multidimensional crisis in Haiti.
Voltaire upon assuming the presidency of the transition council emphasized the need to set aside personal interests in favor of national priorities, identifying the restoration of security, the rehabilitation of republican institutions, and the election of new leaders as urgent issues to address.
The newly appointed transition leader promised to ensure the organization of a national conference and a constitutional reform referendum. He also plans to appoint general directors, consuls, ambassadors, and leaders of local governments to strengthen and solidify state institutions.
Notably absent from the ceremony was former president Edgard Leblanc Fils, who has not signed the resolution modifying the rotating presidency. He has expressed his unwillingness to sign the document alongside three advisors implicated in a report by the Haitian Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC), which he made clear during his address to the nation on Sunday night.
According to a decree signed by eight out of nine advisors and published on 7 October 2024, in the official journal Le Moniteur, Leslie Voltaire will serve as president until 7 March 2025. He will be succeeded in turn by Fritz Jean, the representative of the Montana Accord, and Laurent Saint Cyr from the private sector, who is expected to oversee the organization of elections in the country.
Read more:
El Dia
Diario Libre
Acento
Roberto Cavada
Gazette
Haitian Times
Gazette Haiti
Voltaire statements
8 October 2024