Haiti's newly appointed Prime Minister, Garry Conille, has pledged to foster unity as the country grapples with escalating gang violence and a dire humanitarian crisis.
Haiti's political landscape has taken a significant turn with the appointment of Garry Conille as the Caribbean nation's new Prime Minister. This decision was made by a transitional council amid the ongoing crisis gripping the country. Conille, a former UNICEF regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean, previously served as Haiti's Prime Minister from October 2011 to May 2012 under then-President Michel Martelly.
In a statement on social media, Conille expressed his gratitude for being chosen for the role, stating that he is "very honored" to have been selected. He vowed to work tirelessly for a better future for all Haitian citizens.
Haiti has been plagued by a surge in gang violence, with criminal groups controlling at least 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The situation has deteriorated since the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, creating a power vacuum that criminal gangs have exploited.
Conille faces a daunting task in addressing the escalating gang violence and restoring stability to the country. The country awaits the U.N.-backed deployment of a police force from Kenya and other supporting nations to assist in this endeavor.
The Prime Minister shares executive power with the presidency, which has been vacant since Moïse's assassination. The transitional council has the responsibility of organizing presidential elections before early 2026.
In addition to Conille's appointment, the transitional council is tasked with selecting a new Cabinet and appointing a provisional electoral commission, a crucial step before elections can take place. The council's mandate expires on February 7, 2026, when a new president is scheduled to be sworn in.
Conille's appointment has been met with mixed reactions. Some council members had initially favored former sports minister Fritz Bélizaire for the post, but Conille ultimately emerged as the preferred candidate.
The transitional council has been criticized for its lack of transparency in selecting a Prime Minister, with no public disclosure of the criteria used to make the decision. However, the council has stated that it is committed to restoring peace, stability, and hope to the children of Haiti.
International figures, including Kenyan President William Ruto, have congratulated Conille on his appointment. Ruto expressed Kenya's readiness to work with Conille and his government in supporting Haiti's sustainable development.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell wished Conille success in bringing peace, stability, and hope to Haiti. She acknowledged the need for concerted efforts to address the country's humanitarian crisis.
The challenges facing Conille are immense, but he has vowed to unify the country and work towards a better future for all Haitians. The journey ahead will be arduous, but the appointment of a new Prime Minister signals a step towards restoring stability and addressing the pressing issues facing Haiti.
