Power Struggle in Haiti Claims Another Top Official as Gangs Continue to Wreak Havoc

Port-au-Prince, Haiti - Former United Nations official Garry Conille has been unceremoniously fired by Haiti's ruling council in a shocking move that comes amidst the country's worsening gang-fueled crisis. The sudden ouster of the interim prime minister has sparked further instability, just days after a wave of kidnappings and killings escalated in the capital city.

Conille, 58-year-old medical doctor-turned-UN official, was hastily appointed as interim prime minister in late May with the aim of facilitating a transition to elections next year. However, his tenure ended abruptly yesterday, following an executive order published by Haiti's transitional council in the official gazette, Le Moniteur.

Conille was promptly replaced by Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, 55-year-old owner of a chain of dry cleaners and former Senate candidate, according to the publication. A Harvard-educated entrepreneur with ties to Boston University, Fils-Aimé's background appears less internationally recognized compared to Conille's extensive experience in UNICEF's Latin America regional office.

Haiti remains in a state of crisis since its last president was assassinated in July 2021. Elections have been delayed multiple times due to the escalating gang activity and violence, with the recent attacks on police stations, prisons, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure exacerbating the situation.

Conille's fate was set to test whether his international experience would be enough to tame Haiti's chaos ahead of the much-awaited elections in 2024. With Haiti facing further turmoil, it remains uncertain how many years it will take for stability to return to its troubled nation.