Haiti's newly appointed Prime Minister Garry Conille was released from the hospital on Sunday after a short stay for an undisclosed medical condition. In a video message posted on YouTube, Conille expressed his readiness to lead the country through its current security crisis and prioritize critical issues such as healthcare.
During his hospitalization, Conille reflected on the challenges faced by the Haitian people, particularly in accessing essential services like healthcare due to widespread violence. Gang violence continues to plague the nation, with three police officers killed and another missing on Sunday, according to Synapoha, a police union.
The escalating violence has led to the closure of approximately 60% of hospitals in the capital city's metropolitan area, while pharmacies are being looted and burned by gangs. The situation has forced healthcare workers to stay home on certain days to avoid dangerous confrontations.
Conille, who assumed office on June 1, faces the daunting task of addressing rampant gang violence and alleviating Haiti's deep-rooted poverty, exacerbated by record-high inflation rates. Gangs controlling a significant portion of Port-au-Prince have displaced over 360,000 individuals from their homes and disrupted the transportation of essential goods.
Conille's predecessor, Ariel Henry, resigned in April following coordinated attacks by gangs that targeted police stations, prisons, and even fired upon the main international airport. The Haitian government is now awaiting the deployment of a U.N.-backed police force from Kenya and other countries to assist in restoring order.
Concerns about Conille's health arose when he experienced breathing difficulties, prompting his hospitalization. However, in the video released on Sunday, Conille appeared optimistic about forming a new government promptly to address the ongoing crisis.
As Haiti navigates through these challenging times, Conille remains committed to leading the nation towards stability and progress. His determination to tackle the pressing issues facing Haiti offers hope for a brighter future for the country and its people.
