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Leslie Voltaire, President of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), returned from the COP16 biodiversity summit held in Cali, Colombia, with a renewed focus on environmental priorities, security concerns, and calls for national unity. Greeted by an official delegation led by Prime Minister Garry Conille at Toussaint Louverture Airport, Voltaire highlighted key outcomes of his mission, emphasizing Haiti’s biodiversity significance on the world stage and the pressing need for strengthened national security measures.
In a press briefing at the airport’s diplomatic lounge, Voltaire outlined both his COP16 engagements and his discussions on Haiti’s internal challenges, advocating for international support and national collaboration to address the country’s ongoing crises. Voltaire began by expressing condolences to families affected by recent gang violence in areas such as Solino and Arcahaie, underlining the immediate need for stability and social cohesion in the country.
Haiti’s biodiversity in the spotlight at COP16
During COP16, Voltaire positioned Haiti as a vital contributor to Caribbean biodiversity, stressing the country’s unique ecosystems and their importance for regional environmental resilience. “Haiti remains a cradle of historic botany in the Americas,” Voltaire asserted, quoting early 20th-century botanist Erich Eichman, who once described Haiti’s flora as unparalleled in the region. Voltaire countered common misconceptions of environmental degradation in Haiti, highlighting the continued use of native plants for traditional medicine and the crucial role these resources play in Haitian communities.
This message, he stated, aimed to reshape international perceptions and underline Haiti’s potential as a leader in biodiversity conservation within the Caribbean. Haiti’s distinctive flora and fauna, he argued, are invaluable assets that not only bolster Haiti’s cultural heritage but also provide natural defenses against environmental threats impacting the entire Caribbean.
Security concerns and international cooperation with Colombia
In one of his most significant discussions, Voltaire met with Colombian President Gustavo Petro to address shared security challenges and explore economic cooperation. The two leaders examined ways to combat illegal trafficking on a maritime route linking La Guajira in Colombia to southern Haiti. This route, Voltaire noted, is a major conduit for arms smuggling and other illicit trade that exacerbates Haiti’s security situation. The dialogue signaled a commitment to collaborative anti-trafficking measures aimed at reducing the influence of criminal networks in the region.
Voltaire also met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, pressing for the transformation of the current UN mission in Haiti into a formal peacekeeping operation to stabilize the country amid escalating violence. This request underscores Haiti’s critical security needs as gang activity continues to displace residents and hinder governance. Guterres reportedly expressed concern and acknowledged the severity of the crisis.
Furthermore, Voltaire addressed the issue of mass deportations affecting Haitian nationals abroad, particularly in neighboring countries, a topic he described as deeply troubling. He noted that Guterres voiced concern over these deportations and discussed potential measures to safeguard Haitian citizens facing repatriation.
Regional dialogues and Haiti’s diplomatic outreach
Beyond the major bilateral talks, Voltaire engaged with representatives from Suriname, Ecuador, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Guinea-Bissau. These nations, he reported, expressed solidarity with Haiti and demonstrated a keen interest in supporting its efforts toward security, stability, and environmental preservation.
Voltaire’s mission, which he described as a blend of environmental advocacy and urgent national security diplomacy, sought to build alliances that could provide Haiti with both financial and technical support. “Our biodiversity is a regional asset, and protecting it requires resources that Haiti alone cannot bear,” he said, urging a fair financial mechanism to assist developing nations like Haiti in managing natural resources sustainably.
Returning to the immediate situation at home, Voltaire expressed disappointment with the transitional government’s progress over the past six months, citing persistent security issues and insufficient coordination. He called for a “harmonious coexistence” across all sectors of Haitian society, stressing that unity is essential to overcome the country’s current crises. Voltaire’s appeal for collaboration is a reminder that, alongside international support, Haiti’s internal unity is key to securing a sustainable future.
