Haiti’s seemingly unsurmountable hardships are well known, but a different story awaits. Despite the disruptive gang violence of recent years that led to the virtual collapse of the state, the most impoverished country in the Western Hemisphere can take a different course as a new political transition is underway. Will its leaders seize this moment?

A new governing council has been set up, and interim Prime Minister Garry Conille, a senior UN official who served as Prime Minister from 2011-2012, is determined to reestablish security and deliver credible elections next year, giving a new chance to the nation’s potential. While the international community is accompanying these efforts, it also needs a nation’s vision to ensure that any opportunities created don’t go to waste. Once a security foundation is laid, sustained investment in institutions, infrastructure and the country’s youth should be close behind.

The arrival of a Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) days ago presents a historic opportunity to improve security and prevent further deterioration. A UNICEF report released this week found that more than 300,000 children have been displaced since March, meaning that one child is displaced every minute in this country as armed violence persists. In total, more than 580,000 people are homeless due to the protracted public safety crisis, as gangs still control most of the nation’s capital and its main access points.

Still, the MSS can’t fix the country alone. The Haitian National Police needs to work alongside them, but to do so effectively, it will require tools, technology, and training. They need a modern headquarters to coordinate operations, specialized vehicles, surveillance drones, and reliable communication. The international community is supporting the national police with funding, technical assistance, and strategic partnerships to complement their courage in the face of substantial challenges. 

The new mission is the fourth large-scale foreign intervention since 1915, and greater coordination and monitoring should be implemented to avoid the pitfalls of the past. Long-term success will hinge on whether security forces can earn the trust of their communities. Spaces for dialogue between authorities and the communities they seek to secure will be fundamental to progress. For its part, the justice system should show it can deliver efficient and successful prosecutions. To accomplish this, sustained commitment to community engagement and judicial reform will be essential.

Once the violence is under control, Haiti’s transitional authorities should address corruption and deliver a fair and transparent election in 2025. This is the best, and perhaps only, way to rebuild faith in the country’s government and democracy. Conille’s government has already announced a concrete anti-corruption strategy, emphasizing governance reforms to improve transparency and strengthen institutions and actively engaging civil society in oversight. This anti-graft commitment and extensive stakeholder involvement appear likely to improve public confidence in the government.

Inclusion is vital to the country’s future and the elections. Vote planners should engage with established political factions, civil society, and marginalized groups to foster a sense of national unity. This is not just about casting a ballot but about building a more cohesive society where everyone feels part of a greater good.