On Tuesday, May 28th, Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council appointed Garry Conille as the new Prime Minister, a significant step as the nation grapples with severe gang violence and political instability. Conille, who previously served as prime minister from 2011 to 2012, is currently the UNICEF Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean.
The appointment comes after a prolonged period of chaos following the resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry in late April. Henry’s resignation occurred while he was in Kenya seeking support for a multinational security mission aimed at stabilizing Haiti. During his absence, a coalition of gangs launched coordinated attacks, seizing police stations and prisons, which resulted in the release of over 4,000 inmates and the closure of Haiti’s main international airport for nearly three months.
Conille’s selection was made by consensus among the Transitional Presidential Council members. This council, backed by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), is also tasked with forming a new cabinet and leading the country to general elections by the end of next year. The council’s president, Edgard Leblanc Fils, emphasized the importance of Conille’s role in reconstructing Haiti’s government.
Gang violence continues to plague the capital, Port-au-Prince, and other parts of the country. The insurgent gangs have disrupted essential services, including the operations of the international airport and seaport, cutting off vital supply lines of food and aid. The situation has led to widespread acute food insecurity, affecting nearly 5 million Haitians.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with the United Nations backing the deployment of a multinational police force led by Kenya, expected to arrive in June. Despite some commercial flights tentatively resuming, Port-au-Prince remains largely isolated from the outside world.
Council member Louis Gérald Gilles expressed hope that Conille’s leadership would bring stability and progress. Conille’s previous experience and current role with UNICEF are seen as assets in addressing Haiti’s complex challenges, including its humanitarian crisis and rampant violence.
