The Haitian government has taken a crucial step by officially inaugurating the new Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Garry Conille. This ceremony marks a turning point in the reconstruction of the government apparatus of a country prey to violence perpetrated by gangs.
In his speech, Prime Minister Conille stressed the urgent need to strengthen security in a country torn by clashes between gangs. He also spoke of the humanitarian crisis plaguing Haiti, exacerbating the suffering of the most vulnerable populations.
“My dear compatriots, Haiti faces major challenges. Violence and insecurity paralyze our daily lives. The humanitarian crisis is aggravating the suffering of our most vulnerable citizens,” declared the Prime Minister.
Alarmingly, gangs control at least 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. This situation has pushed the Haitian authorities to turn to the international community for police reinforcements from Kenya, whose deployment is expected in the coming weeks.
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to three police officers who fell under gang bullets the previous Sunday, asking those present to observe a minute of silence in their memory.
The preceding weeks were marked by coordinated gang attacks, which forced former Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign last April, leading to the dissolution of his Cabinet. The attackers took control of police stations, opened fire on the main international airport, which remained closed for almost three months, and stormed the country’s two largest prisons.
In the first three months of the year, more than 2,500 people were killed or injured, and more than half a million others were displaced. The Haitian population is impatiently awaiting the deployment of the police force from Kenya, supported by the UN and whose arrival is imminent.
This inauguration of the new Cabinet in Haiti is a strong symbol of the desire for reconstruction and resilience of a country facing colossal challenges. Despite the difficulties, the Haitian authorities remain determined to work for the security and well-being of their population, calling on international solidarity to meet the challenges that stand in their way.