Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council has selected former Prime Minister Garry Conille to resume his role during the country's transition period, as announced by council president Edgard Leblanc Fils on Tuesday. Conille's appointment follows a consensus decision reached after the council conducted candidate hearings.
Garry Conille previously served as prime minister from 2011 to 2012 under the presidency of Michel Martelly. Currently, he holds the position of UNICEF Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean.
This appointment marks a significant milestone in Haiti's governmental reconstruction efforts, following the removal of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry earlier this year. The new prime minister, along with the nine-member council, will be tasked with forming a cabinet and guiding Haiti towards new elections.
Since February, the capital city of Port-au-Prince has been plagued by attacks from an insurgent gang alliance, leading to the shutdown of the city's international airport and seaport. This disruption has severed crucial supply lines for food and aid, prompting the evacuation of foreign nationals via emergency flights.
The violence erupted while Ariel Henry was in Kenya negotiating support for a multinational security mission to strengthen Haiti's national police force. However, Henry's return to Haiti was impeded by the escalating violence, ultimately resulting in his resignation in March. This resignation triggered a period of political negotiations to establish a transitional government.
The inauguration of the CARICOM-backed presidential council in April has enabled Haiti to resume preparations for the long-awaited foreign mission. Led by Kenya, this international mission is anticipated to arrive in Haiti in June.
While some commercial flights to Port-au-Prince have resumed, the city remains largely isolated from the outside world. Across the nation, nearly 5 million Haitians are facing acute food insecurity, posing an immediate threat to their lives and livelihoods.
