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PORT-AU-PRINCE, January 15, 2025 – In a high-profile ceremony on January 14, 2025, Mario Andrésol, a respected figure in Haiti’s security landscape, was installed as the Secretary of State for Public Security. The ceremony took place at the Prime Minister’s office in the presence of key government officials, including Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and members of the transitional presidential council.
In his address, Andrésol emphasized the importance of collective action and strategic planning to address the country’s ongoing security challenges. While acknowledging the absence of a “miracle solution,” he expressed confidence in his ability to leverage his extensive experience to implement meaningful reforms.
“This is a moment for sacrifice and decisive action,” Andrésol stated. “We must work together to create conditions that allow Haitians to live and work safely.”
Mario Andrésol brings decades of experience to his new role. A former officer in the Haitian Army, Andrésol served in various command positions before transitioning to the Haitian National Police (PNH) in 1995. During his tenure with the PNH, he rose to the position of Commander in Chief, serving from 2005 to 2012. His leadership was instrumental in modernizing the force and addressing organized crime during a period of heightened instability.
In addition to his practical experience, Andrésol holds academic credentials in international affairs and legal studies. He has also trained at several prestigious institutions, including Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, the School of Americas in Georgia, and the École des Officiers de la Gendarmerie Nationale in France.
Prime Minister Fils-Aimé underscored the urgency of addressing Haiti’s escalating security crisis, describing it as a “national priority.” During the installation ceremony, he called for greater cooperation between security institutions and the mobilization of national resources to confront rising violence and criminal activity.
“The resilience of the Haitian people is our foundation,” the Prime Minister declared. “Our collective response must be pragmatic, swift, and resolute.”
Haiti faces significant hurdles, including entrenched gang violence and weakened state institutions. President of the transitional presidential council, Leslie Voltaire, expressed hope that Andrésol’s leadership would usher in a new era of stability, describing the appointment as a “beacon of hope” for citizens and a warning to criminal groups.
The government has announced a series of security initiatives aimed at restoring order and fostering sustainable development. Andrésol’s appointment is seen as a critical element of this broader strategy.
With his extensive experience and the government’s renewed commitment, Haiti’s leadership is striving to chart a path toward peace and stability. However, the road ahead remains challenging, requiring coordinated efforts from all sectors of society.
