Haiti: Garry Conille sworn in as Prime Minister

Garry Conille was sworn in as Haiti’s prime minister on Monday, pledging to deliver results for the beleaguered Caribbean nation amidst ongoing security, humanitarian, and political challenges.

Conille’s appointment by the transitional presidential council followed the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry in April, amid escalating gang violence.

“Let’s get to work, and I assure you that we will deliver what we promised,” the 58-year-old stated during the ceremony at the Villa d’Accueil, a government building in Port-au-Prince.

His swearing-in authorizes him to form a government in collaboration with the council, according to Edgard Leblanc Fils, head of the council.

“We are counting on Dr. Conille to implement the policies agreed upon with the presidential council to address the issue of insecurity, improve the economy, reform institutions, and hold credible, democratic, and free elections by the end of 2025,” Fils added.

A medical doctor by training, Conille has been serving as UNICEF’s regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean since January 2023 and previously served as Haiti’s prime minister from October 2011 to May 2012 under President Michel Martelly. He now faces the monumental task of addressing the crises afflicting the country and preparing for the first elections since 2016.

Henry had been serving as prime minister following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. The country has been without a president since then.

The mandate of the transitional presidential council is set to end by February 2026 at the latest.