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Haitian Presidential Adviser Leslie Voltaire met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on September 22, 2024, in New York, prioritizing Haiti’s escalating security crisis in their discussions. Voltaire, representing the Fanmi Lavalas party on the Presidential Transition Council (CPT), called for increased UN assistance, specifically requesting aerial support to bolster Haiti’s efforts against rising violence and instability.
The meeting, which took place during Voltaire’s visit to the United States for the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, covered a wide range of issues affecting Haiti. According to Voltaire, discussions with Guterres focused on critical topics such as the political and economic situation, food insecurity, and the ongoing recruitment of child soldiers by gangs. Voltaire called the meeting “fruitful,” emphasizing the urgency of international aid to address Haiti’s worsening instability.
The delegation’s leadership has raised questions, as Voltaire is representing Haiti in place of Edgard Leblanc Fils, the President of the Presidential Transition Council. Despite this, it remains unclear who will deliver Haiti’s address at the General Assembly.
Prime Minister Garry Conille is also in the U.S., leading a separate delegation. Conille has already met with World Bank officials, with reports indicating that his security is provided by the U.S. Secret Service. However, it is unknown whether Voltaire has the same level of protection. Notably, Edgard Leblanc Fils was informed by the U.S. State Department that he would not receive Secret Service protection if he traveled to the United States.
