After Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigned, Haiti’s transitional council named Edgard Leblanc Fils as interim president and Fritz Bélizaire as interim prime minister.
Both leaders were tasked with stabilizing a nation besieged by gang violence during a ceremony in Port-au-Prince.
Frinel Joseph, a council member, highlighted the importance of their roles in unifying the country.
Last Thursday, the nine-member council officially started its work after extensive negotiations among Haiti’s political groups.
Leblanc, previously Senate president and an opponent of Henry, now faces a significant national crisis.
Gang violence has surged since February, attacking vital infrastructure and challenging state authority.
This unrest followed the chaotic period post-President Jovenel Moïse’s assassination in 2021, leaving Henry unelected as leader.
The council, representing a diverse mix of political, commercial, and civil leaders, aims to govern until fair and undisputed elections can be held.
They plan to hand over power to an elected government by February 2026.
“We are dedicated to dialogue, negotiation, and reaching consensus,” stated Leblanc, stressing the importance of unity.
Leblanc committed to tackling the dire security conditions, with gangs dominating over 80% of Port-au-Prince.
This control has led to a spike in homicides, rapes, and kidnappings, displacing around 360,000 Haitians.
“We will decisively address security to free our nation from gang tyranny,” Leblanc declared, acknowledging the extensive harm suffered by the populace.
The government is also expecting the deployment of a U.N.-led international force, including Kenyan police, to help stabilize the situation.
This intervention is essential for broader security reforms and restoring public safety.