By Daniel Zéphyr, Gazette Haiti, Dec. 16, 2025
The Canadian Ambassador to Haiti, André François Giroux, who is also Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, delivered a speech during the New Year's greetings ceremony held in the presence of the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT), the Prime Minister, members of the government, and the diplomatic corps.
He reviewed the progress of the transition and emphasized the expiration of the Presidential Transitional Council's mandate on February 7, 2026, while stressing the need to fully engage in the electoral process.
The Ambassador thanked the authorities for "this moment of sharing at the end of this year of transition," while recalling that 2025 was a year of "major decisions." He also congratulated them on the establishment of "specialized judicial units for financial crimes and mass crimes." He stressed, however, that the operationalization of these units remains to be confirmed and is essential to "break the cycle of impunity" and effectively combat large-scale corruption.
Speaking directly to the CPT, he commended the authorities' "leadership, vision, and courage," while acknowledging the resistance they face. "Your leadership is all the more remarkable given that powerful interests want you to fail on these important issues," he said.
On the security front, Giroux emphasized the importance of the Security Council resolution concerning the Gang Suppression Force (GSF). He noted that Canada, along with members of the Standing Partners Group, co-organized the December 9 conference dedicated to the composition of this force. "This conference enabled 18 entities to commit to providing personnel, resources, and technical support. Such commitments clearly illustrate the extent of the international mobilization behind this mission," he said.
He cautioned, however, that this global mobilization cannot succeed without a parallel effort from local authorities. The success of the mission, he believes, depends largely on the Haitian state's ability to strengthen its security forces and combat arms and drug trafficking, particularly through increased mobilization of customs services. "The status quo is not an option; we will overcome the destructive forces at work, whether criminal, economic, or political," he asserted.
Throughout his speech, Giroux emphasized the need for current leaders to maintain political continuity during this critical period.
The ambassador emphasized the approaching end of the CPT's mandate. Indeed, the ambassador clearly defined the deadline: "With just a few weeks remaining in the mandate of the Presidential Transitional Council… we can all be pleased with the progress made in implementing the important projects of the transition," reiterating the mandate expiration on February 7, 2026.
Giroux continued: “We remain vigilant and committed to ensuring that all necessary efforts are made to effectively pave the way for security, the restoration of constitutional order, and the reconstruction of the country for the benefit of the Haitian people.”
The diplomat also commended the efforts that led to the finalization and publication of the electoral decree, which he considers “another major step” that allows the electoral process to begin and consolidates the gains of the transition. He emphasized that the international community remains “in solidarity with the Haitian people and their sovereign and fundamental right to freely and democratically choose their leaders.”
The Canadian ambassador to Haiti is not well-regarded by some members of the Presidential Transitional Council, including Fritz Jean and Edgard Leblanc Fils. They have accused the diplomat of interference. However, the diplomat subtly reminded the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) of the end of its mandate, right in front of these presidential advisors.
It remains unclear whether the CPT will disband after February 7, 2026. The CPT has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
Behind the scenes, several scenarios are being considered, such as maintaining the CPT until the elections, while perhaps reducing its membership to three or even one member.
Some members of the Presidential Transitional Council recently failed to oust Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, who ultimately won the political battle. This initiative resulted in US sanctions against Fritz Jean.
Posted Dec. 26, 2025