Controversy over Haiti's appointment of businessman as interim prime minister

(CLO) Haiti plans to appoint businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aime as interim Prime Minister to replace Garry Conille, who was appointed to the role in May.

The change is controversial and comes amid political turmoil in Haiti, which is suffering from increased violence.

Debate over Haiti's appointment of businessman as prime minister — A view of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, October 26, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Ralph Tedy Erol

Armed gangs have taken control of much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and spread to neighboring areas, exacerbating famine and forcing hundreds of thousands from their homes. Promised international assistance has been slow to arrive, while neighboring countries have deported Haitian migrants back home.

The resolution, signed on Monday, November 11, is expected to be published in the official gazette.

Didier Fils-Aime is the son of prominent Haitian activist Alix Fils-Aime, who was imprisoned under the regime of Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier.

Mr Conille has been interim prime minister for about six months after being appointed by Haiti's Transitional Council in May with the aim of restoring stability to the Caribbean country.

The transitional council was established in April, tasked with selecting an interim prime minister and holding some presidential powers until it was safe to hold new elections. However, the council has faced some internal disputes.

In recent weeks, Mr Conille has made trips to the United Arab Emirates and Kenya to seek security assistance after a deadly gang attack that killed at least 70 people.

In a letter circulated on social media on Sunday, Mr. Conille said the transitional council only has the power to appoint the Prime Minister, not to dismiss him.

“This order, issued outside of the legal and constitutional framework, raises many concerns about its legality and its impact on the future of our country,” the letter said.

Hong Hanh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tranh-cai-ve-viec-haiti-bo-nhiem-doanh-nhan-lam-thu-tuong-lam-thoi-post320826.html