USA Regrets Delays and Promises Full Security for President Leblanc

The U.S. government has reversed its previous stance and promised full diplomatic protection to Edgard Leblanc Fils, the president of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, following backlash over an initial refusal. The decision to deny heightened security for President Leblanc ahead of his attendance at the 79th United Nations General Assembly stirred concerns about America’s commitment to Haiti’s fragile political stability.

On September 20, 2024, the U.S. Department of State formally declined a request for VIP-level protection for Leblanc, leaving Haitian officials questioning Washington’s stance on their partnership. This refusal triggered a wave of criticism in Haiti and drew attention to the already strained relationship between the U.S. and the Haitian transitional government.

However, just two days later, on September 22, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince issued a statement reversing the decision, noting that “corrective measures” had been taken and that President Leblanc would receive full diplomatic protection during his visit to the United States. The Embassy emphasized that the delay was a result of “administrative oversights” and reassured the Haitian government of America’s ongoing support for the nation’s political transition.

President Leblanc is now expected to travel to New York later this week to participate in critical discussions at the UN General Assembly, where global leaders will address major issues like international security, climate change, and human rights.