Haiti’s transitional council has announced the formation of a new government to replace all members of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s cabinet. Garry Conille, a former regional director for UNICEF, has been appointed as interim prime minister. The new cabinet includes several ministers from outside the country’s political class, with Dominique Dupuy serving as foreign minister and Conille also taking on the role of interior minister, overseeing the Haitian National Police. This change comes as Haiti faces significant challenges, including economic troubles and widespread gang violence that has plagued the country for the past three years.
The unrest in Haiti has been fueled by armed groups launching organized attacks, blocking fuel terminals, and raiding police stations in major cities like Port-au-Prince. This violence has been exacerbated by a series of crises, including natural disasters, food insecurity, a cholera outbreak, and political instability following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021. After Moise’s death, Prime Minister Henry faced questions of legitimacy as he postponed elections indefinitely, leading to demands from gang leaders and civil society groups for his removal. Henry eventually stepped down in April, allowing a transitional presidential council to take over the government.
Haiti has not held an election since 2016, but the establishment of the new transitional council has raised hopes for free and fair elections in the country. The international community, led by the United States, has been advocating for a multinational security force to help restore peace in Haiti. Kenya is set to lead this force, with President William Ruto announcing that Kenyan police officers will be deployed to Haiti soon. The force faces a challenging task of restoring security and order, as criminal gangs control or influence 80% of Port-au-Prince and its surrounding areas, engaging in heinous crimes like murder, kidnapping, and sexual violence.
The deployment of Kenyan-led international security forces marks a significant moment in Haiti’s efforts to combat gang violence and achieve stability. The new government, with ministers from diverse backgrounds, including outside the political class, signals a fresh approach to addressing the country’s longstanding challenges. The transitional council’s decision to appoint Conille, a seasoned UNICEF official, as prime minister reflects a commitment to finding effective solutions to Haiti’s complex issues. With the support of the international community, Haiti is poised to make strides towards holding democratic elections and tackling the root causes of its insecurity.
The upcoming deployment of security forces from Kenya underscores the urgency of the situation in Haiti and the international community’s commitment to helping the country overcome its current crisis. By working together to address the rampant gang violence and instability, Haiti and its partners can pave the way for a more secure and prosperous future for the Haitian people. As the new cabinet takes on the task of steering the country through challenging times, the support of the international community, especially from countries like Kenya, will be vital in ensuring Haiti’s path towards peace and stability.
