Haiti’s already fragile democratic transition has taken another dramatic turn, with the country’s transitional council, established to restore order, firing interim Prime Minister Garry Conille and appointing Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, a businessman, as his replacement. This move comes as a fresh blow to the beleaguered nation grappling with a persistent wave of gang violence and a political landscape marked by deep divisions and corruption.
The decree, signed by members of the transitional council and set to be published on Monday, was provided to The Associated Press by a government source. It marks another chapter in Haiti’s turbulent journey towards reestablishing democratic rule, a process that has been repeatedly derailed by the pervasive influence of gangs and internal political strife.
Fils-Aimé, the former president of Haiti’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, brings a background in the private sector to the position. He previously ran an unsuccessful campaign for the Senate in 2015 and was considered for the prime minister role in 2016 before Conille was ultimately chosen. His appointment has sparked debate and concern among observers, highlighting the challenges of finding consensus and leadership during this critical period.
Conille, a seasoned civil servant with extensive experience working with the United Nations, served as prime minister for a brief six months. His tenure was marked by the ongoing political turmoil, culminating in his dismissal by the very body tasked with guiding Haiti toward stability. The transitional council, established in April to select a new prime minister and cabinet, has faced a barrage of criticism for its own internal conflicts and allegations of corruption.
The move to replace Conille has been met with criticism from some in Haiti, including former Justice Minister Bernard Gousse, who has denounced it as “illegal”. Gousse argues that the council is exceeding its authority and that the allegations of corruption against some of its members further undermine its legitimacy. These accusations, which stem from an anti-corruption investigation alleging that three council members demanded bribes from a government bank director, have cast a dark shadow over the transition process and eroded public trust.
The Organization of American States, actively involved in supporting Haiti’s transition, made unsuccessful attempts last week to mediate disagreements between the council and Conille, highlighting the deeply entrenched divisions that threaten to derail the country’s democratic aspirations. The ongoing political turmoil and the persistent threat of gang violence continue to cast a shadow over Haiti’s future, leaving the nation in a precarious state as it seeks to find a path towards stability and progress.
