Haiti's Transitional Council Appoints Garry Conille as Prime Minister Amidst Gang Violence Crisis

On June 1, 2024, Haiti's transitional council appointed Garry Conille to be the country's new prime minister, replacing Michel Patrick Boisvert. Conille, a United Nations development specialist, previously served as Haiti's prime minister from October 2011 to May 2012 under President Michel Martelly. He has been UNICEF's regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean since January 2023.

Conille's appointment comes at a critical time as Haiti struggles to regain control from street gangs in Port-au-Prince and other key locations. Gang violence has surged, with armed groups controlling over 80% of the capital city and displacing more than 360,000 people. The country is awaiting the U.N.-backed deployment of a police force from Kenya and other countries to help restore order.

Why this matters: The appointment of a new prime minister in Haiti has significant implications for the country's stability and its ability to address the growing gang violence crisis. If Conille is unable to restore order and security, it could lead to further humanitarian crises and regional instability.

Conille expressed his commitment to addressing the urgent problems facing Haiti. In a pre-recorded message, he stated, "I accept this designation with great humility, especially considering the list of candidates. I thank the counselors and the organizations they represent for their trust. I commit to working closely with all counselors to address the urgent problems the country faces."

The transitional council's decision to appoint Conille was made with six out of seven council members voting in favor. This decision follows weeks of controversy after the council's initial selection of former Haitian Sports Minister Fritz Bélizaire, which was met with negative reactions on the grounds of improper procedure.

Conille faces a monumental task in leading Haiti through its current crisis. Armed gangs have taken control of vital infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and pharmacies. The violence has led to the deaths or injuries of more than 2,500 Haitians, and over 4,000 inmates remain at large after the country's two largest prisons were raided in early March.

The international community has expressed support for Conille's appointment. The United States has urged the council and Conille to work collaboratively to nominate a credible, accountable, and inclusive government. The U.S. State Department emphasized the need for free and fair elections and the provision of security and basic services for all Haitians.

Conille's first leadership test will be to choose a chief of staff and assemble a government. He will need to traverse the complex political terrain, with political parties vying for control of key government posts. The new government and the presidential council will then need to prepare the country for the deployment of the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission and appoint a nine-member provisional electoral council to begin organizing elections.

Despite the significant challenges ahead, Conille remains optimistic. He stated, "Despite the significant challenges ahead, I am convinced we have made progress. This is the first time in several generations that political groups of different tendencies and long-time competitors agree on an independent, non-partisan personality to help rebuild democracy."

The transitional council's non-renewable mandate expires on February 7, 2026, when a new president is scheduled to be sworn in. Conille's ability to address the urgent problems facing Haiti and lead the country toward stability will be vital in the coming years.

Key Takeaways

• Haiti's transitional council appoints Garry Conille as new prime minister.
• Conille faces task of restoring order amidst gang violence and instability.
• International community supports Conille's appointment, urging collaboration.
• Conille must choose chief of staff, assemble government, and prepare for elections.
• Conille's success crucial for Haiti's stability before February 2026 presidential election.