Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Haitian Transitional Presidential Council Coordinator Edgard Leblanc Fils met in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on September 5, 2024. During their meeting, they discussed the current challenges and progress in Haiti.
Secretary Blinken acknowledged the establishment of the presidential council and government, as well as the arrival of Kenyan colleagues to support the police in a critical security mission. He emphasized that these developments aim to pave the way for elections next year and create a secure environment for both the elections and essential services delivery.
"We had an opportunity to talk about the very important work of the Transitional Presidential Council, as well as the work of the government," Blinken stated. He highlighted that setting up an electoral council is a crucial next step. "The president gave me an update on the important work that’s being done there, and we hope to see that stood up soon."
Blinken stressed that cooperation among all actors in Haiti is vital for progress. Speaking in French via an interpreter, he expressed satisfaction with ongoing efforts: "Mr. President, thank you very much. We are happy to see the work that is being done for the Haitian people and for progress."
Coordinator Leblanc described their discussion as open and frank regarding security improvements and election preparations slated for late next year. "There has been progress, but there is still a lot to do," he noted.
Leblanc outlined plans to present the composition of the electoral council at next week's ministers' council meeting. This body will begin reassuring Haitians about the electoral process. By late 2025, a steering committee will have worked on constitutional reforms necessary for organizing elections by November.
"As we said to Mr. Secretary, a lot has been done, and more will be done so that the issue of security will be resolved," Leblanc concluded.
