In a speech delivered this Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in Port-au-Prince following his appointment as president of the presidential transitional council, Edgard Leblanc expressed the determination of the Council to fight against the insecurity plaguing the country. While Haiti is facing large-scale crime, Leblanc indicated that the latest meetings between the Presidential Transitional Council and the police have led us to believe that “in the coming weeks, there will be signs that will be given in terms of security.
Under the ovations of the audience, Edgard Leblanc Fils slowly climbed the stage. His face, serene and determined, exuded an aura of quiet confidence as he stood in front of the audience, ready to deliver his speech. From the start of his speech, he outlined the context which led to this consensus, emphasizing the importance of unity and overcoming conflicts to reach crucial decisions, particularly in matters of security.
“We believe in advice,” declares Edgard Leblanc Fils. The first thing that is important for us is cohesion between us; political will and determination to go beyond the chapels, to overcome the conflicts and to arrive by consensus and sometimes from discussions, negotiations and choices made for major important decisions to be taken first in terms of security. According to Edgard Leblanc, we must free the country from the action of bandits. Mr. Leblanc Fils expressed his compassion towards all the recent victims of insecurity.
Glimmer of hope
Edgard Leblanc believes that his appointment as president is a definitive step in the process of emerging from the crisis. Speaking for the council, he announced that concrete steps will be taken to form a government and make crucial security decisions. He recalled that the day before, the transitional presidential council had held meetings with the highest officials of the army, the national police and special units responsible for the security of the national palace, with the aim of learning about the situation and seek their support to restore order and security
“According to the discussions, we believe as they (PNH and FADH) promise us, that in the coming days and weeks, there will already be signs that will be given regarding security in the country,” explains Edgard Leblanc Fils.
Under the agreement signed between the stakeholders, Edgard Leblanc Fils is only supposed to be a coordinator. He recalled it so well in his speech. “This means that advisors are involved in all decisions,” explains Leblanc.
Whether by consensus or other form, the Presidential Council wants at all costs to achieve its objectives well before the end of its mandate on February 7, 2026. However, inheriting a minefield, the new presidential transitional council has a difficult path. to browse. After more than 33 months of violence, Port-au-Prince remains under the yoke of insecurity and inaction. Attacks targeting the airport, prisons, police stations and other crucial government infrastructure have left the city under siege. During this period, more than 2,500 Haitians died or were injured.
The masterstrokes of Claude and Moïse
Ahead of Tuesday’s announcement, council members and their political affiliations and sectors of interest were involved in intense negotiations and lobbying activities behind the scenes. The name of the person who should head the Transitional Presidential Council was not unanimous. The political maneuvering of Claude Joseph and Jean Charles Moïse played a crucial role in this decision. Initially hesitant to join the Presidential Council, Moïse became a major player, helping to build consensus around Leblanc’s nomination. This choice, although difficult, symbolizes a transition towards an era of wisdom and unity, as emphasized by Claude Joseph and Jean Charles Moïse.
The prior choice of Claude Joseph and Jean Charles Moise was Louis Gerald Gilles but at the last minute, their sights were set on Edgard Leblanc Fils. “We want to give hope,” says Jean Charles Moïse who confides that the choice was “difficult”. “We voted for wisdom, humility, for a disruptive transition,” maintains Claude Joseph, who affirms that Edgard Leblanc “is the president of all.” “Last night we had a marathon evening until we could find a political agreement. This political agreement does not differ from that of April 3,” explains Joseph.
This new leadership, embodied by Edgard Leblanc Fils, opens a new chapter in the history of Haiti, with the hope that the Transitional Council will be able to address the urgent challenges facing the country and chart a path towards a more stable and prosperous future. The population is waiting for clear signals.
We have learned that the Lavalas Party, Montana and the private sector are unhappy with the way in which the election of the president of the CPT took place as well as the choice of Prime Minister Fritz Bélizaire by the same majority. They would believe that the majority would violate the established rules of the game. According to reports, they may even challenge it.
By: Daniel Zéphyr
