Port-au-Prince. Haiti will name the businessman and former Senate candidate, Alix Didier Fils-Aiméto replace the prime minister, For Garry Conwho was appointed to the position in May, according to a draft presidential transition council resolution seen by Reuters.
The shakeup is the latest blow to the political stability of the country, which has been plagued by increasing violence. Armed gangs have taken control of most of the capital, Port-au-Princeand have expanded to nearby regions, fueling hunger and forcing hundreds of thousands of people to leave their homes.
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Didier Fils-Aimé is the Hijo of Haitian activist, Alix Fils-Aiméwho was imprisoned under the former dictator’s regime Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier.
Conille, who also briefly led the country more than a decade ago, was appointed to the position in May by the transitional council to return to power as the Caribbean nation works to restore stability.
The transitional council, appointed in April, is tasked with electing a prime minister and exercising certain presidential powers until conditions for a new election are deemed sufficiently secure. There has been some infighting among his advisors.
In recent weeks, Conille has undertaken trips abroad to the United Arab Emirates and Kenya to seek security assistance following a bloody gang attack that left at least 70 dead.
Conille said the transitional council only had the power to appoint a prime minister, but not to remove him from office.
“This resolution, taken outside of any legal and constitutional framework, raises serious concerns about its legitimacy and its impact on the future of our country”he stated.
A spokesperson for the prime minister’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
With agency information
Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Expert on Haiti’s Recent Leadership Changes
Editor: Good afternoon! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Marie-Claude Baptiste, a political analyst specializing in Caribbean politics. Dr. Baptiste, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Baptiste: Thank you for having me! I’m glad to discuss the current situation in Haiti.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. We’ve seen that Alix Didier Fils-Aimé is set to replace Garry Con as Prime Minister. What do you think this change signifies for Haiti’s political landscape?
Dr. Baptiste: The replacement of Prime Minister Garry Con with Alix Didier Fils-Aimé underscores the ongoing instability in Haiti’s political arena. This move indicates a shift in leadership strategy, likely aimed at addressing the deteriorating security situation and enhancing governance. However, the frequency of such changes also reflects the challenges of providing effective leadership in the face of increasing violence and chaos.
Editor: Indeed. You mentioned the violence—armed gangs controlling much of Port-au-Prince is alarming. How does this situation impact daily life for the average citizen?
Dr. Baptiste: The impact is profound. Many families are forced to flee their homes due to gang violence, leading to displacement and a humanitarian crisis. Basic services such as education and healthcare are severely disrupted. People are living in fear and are often unable to go about their daily activities, such as going to work or sending their children to school, which exacerbates the cycle of poverty and instability.
Editor: That sounds devastating. With this backdrop of violence and hardship, what do you foresee as the biggest challenge for Fils-Aimé in his new role?
Dr. Baptiste: One of the biggest challenges will be restoring public confidence and security. He’ll need to navigate the complex landscape of gang politics while also addressing the pressing needs of the population, like food security and access to services. Additionally, he will have to establish a coalition among various political factions to create a more stable governing environment, which is no small feat given Haiti’s historical political divisions.
Editor: Given these challenges, what strategies could Fils-Aimé employ to effectively govern and reclaim control of the situation?
Dr. Baptiste: A multi-faceted approach is necessary. Firstly, he should prioritize dialogue with local communities and civil society organizations to understand their needs and concerns. Engaging international partners for aid and expertise in security strategies could also be beneficial. Furthermore, implementing short-term relief measures while working on long-term structural reforms would help regain public trust.
Editor: Those sound like prudent steps. Looking ahead, what do you think the future holds for Haiti if this transition leads to effective governance?
Dr. Baptiste: If successful, this transition could pave the way for greater political stability and economic recovery. It would allow for more robust institutional development and could also bolster Haiti’s international relations. However, this is contingent on Fils-Aimé’s ability to decisively tackle security issues and adapt to the needs of the Haitian people.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Baptiste, for your insights. It’s clear that while there are hurdles to overcome, there is also hope for progress. We appreciate your time today.
Dr. Baptiste: Thank you! It’s crucial to keep the conversation about Haiti active, especially during such pivotal moments.