Leslie Voltaire Sworn In as Haiti's Transitional Council Leader

Leslie Voltaire has officially taken over as president of Haiti's transitional council amid severe corruption allegations against three council members, which outgoing president Edgard Leblanc Fils refused to validate. The political instability is heightened by recent gang violence, including a massacre that left over 70 dead, and the council's responsibility to organize elections by February 2026. Voltaire pledged to prioritize transparency and security in his leadership, echoing past reformative promises from former leader Jean-Bertrand Aristide. However, the January 30 Collective, a political faction, criticized the council for harboring the accused members, which they claim undermines the integrity of the justice system. The transition's legitimacy is further questioned as Leblanc Fils expressed concerns that the inclusion of these members would destabilize the already fragile political landscape. The situation remains tense and uncertain as the council seeks to navigate these challenges.