Port-au-Prince, August 11, 2025 – Just four days after being sworn in as President of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), Laurent Saint-Cyr announced that he held a private meeting with former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Saint-Cyr emphasized that the conversation took place “in the spirit of dialogue and national unity.”
Focus on Security and Elections
According to Saint-Cyr, the central theme of the discussion was the urgent need to restore security across the country in order to create conditions for organizing elections. With large portions of the capital and provinces still under the control of armed gangs, the issue of public safety remains the top priority for the transitional government.
The transitional authorities have promised to hold elections by early 2026, but officials have repeatedly stated that this timeline is contingent upon regaining territorial control and ensuring voter safety.
Recent Measures by the Transitional Government
Since Saint-Cyr assumed the presidency of the council on August 7, 2025, the transitional administration has already taken several key steps to address the crisis:
- Appointment of Vladimir Paraison as Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH). Paraison replaces Rameau Normil and is tasked with strengthening the police force in its fight against gang violence.
- Declaration of a state of emergency in several regions most affected by gang activity, granting additional powers to law enforcement and the government to respond to the crisis.
These moves are seen as an attempt to quickly establish authority and demonstrate responsiveness to a population weary of violence and political paralysis.
Symbolic Meeting with Aristide
The meeting with Aristide, one of the most influential figures in modern Haitian politics, carries both symbolic and strategic weight. Aristide, a former priest and leader of the Lavalas movement, served as president twice before being ousted amid political turmoil. While he has largely retreated from active politics in recent years, his legacy and influence among grassroots supporters remain significant.
For Saint-Cyr, engaging Aristide is a signal that the transitional leadership intends to seek broad consensus among Haiti’s diverse political factions. It is also an acknowledgment that no sustainable path forward is possible without dialogue across the spectrum of Haitian society.
Looking Ahead
With elections targeted for early 2026, Haiti faces a tight window to stabilize security, rebuild institutions, and regain public trust. The CPT under Saint-Cyr will be closely watched both domestically and internationally for signs of progress.
The meeting with Aristide, while primarily symbolic, suggests that the new leadership is attempting to reach beyond political divides and foster a climate of national unity. Whether this will translate into real improvements in governance and security remains uncertain, but for now, it marks an early gesture toward inclusiveness in Haiti’s difficult transition.
