Carlos G. Ruiz Massieu is the new UN Secretary-General's Representative in Haiti

Mexican career diplomat Carlos G. Ruiz Massieu was appointed, this Wednesday, as the new representative of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and also as the chief of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, replacing Maria Isabel Salvador.

Before taking up this post, Mr. Massieu served as the head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia.

In this new role in Port-au-Prince, Carlos Ruiz Massieu is expected to combine his 25 years of experience in diplomacy and public service to contribute to resolving the unprecedented political crisis facing the country.

His appointment to this position of responsibility comes at a time when more than six million Haitians are severely affected by food insecurity and an acute economic slump.

Antonio Guterres' new representative will have to consider the gravity and complexity of this disastrous situation in the country, and should also ensure that he is not merely a rapporteur, unable to participate in resolving the crisis in Haiti.

Maria Isabel Salvador's successor, who spent more than 4 years in this role, will make a difference if he can eventually formulate key recommendations that could serve as avenues for solutions to help the Haitian people navigate this very difficult crossroads, where no one knows which way to turn.

Jacques Innocent