PORT-AU-PRINCE, Nov 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Recently appointed Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime has swore in new cabinet members.
Fils-Aimé was sworn in on Nov 11 as the new interim prime minister following the departure of his predecessor Garry Conille, who was ousted by the transition council that aims to reestablish democratic order in the Caribbean nation.
Established in April, the transitional presidential council was tasked with choosing Haiti’s next prime minister and cabinet with the hope that it would help quell the turmoil roiling the country.
But the council has been plagued with politics and infighting and has long been at odds with Conille.
The United States has stepped up its campaign to transform the Kenya-led multinational force in Haiti into a U.N. peacekeeping force, spurred by escalating gang violence that shut all air traffic to the capital Port-au-Prince this week.
The U.S. proposed a U.N. peacekeeping mission in early September as one way to secure regular funding for the U.N.-backed multinational force trying to help Haiti’s national force control the gangs which faces a serious funding crisis.
The 18-member cabinet comprises ten new ministers and eight reappointments from the Conille administration. At first view, critics think the mix of fresh appointments and experienced individuals is expected to help stabilize and jumpstart the government quickly.
The new government is tasked with leading Haiti’s transition until Feb 7, 2026.
The expanded cabinet includes four women, maintaining the representation of women in government seen under the previous administration. However, it falls short of the 30% threshold set by Haiti’s 2012 constitutional amendment (Article 17-1) on gender inclusion.
Fils-Aimé’s government replaces the short-lived administration of Garry Conille, which lasted only five months amid ongoing political instability and gang-fueled insecurity. The new government is tasked with critical challenges: restoring security, revising the Haitian constitution, and preparing for general elections by the end of 2025 to return the country to democratic governance.
Fils-Aimé assumes office during a turbulent period for Haiti. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, the country has been without any elected officials, from local council members to the head of state. Fils-Aimé is Haiti’s third appointed prime minister in three years, following Ariel Henry and Garry Conille.
The CPT, established in March 2024 to steer the country out of its governance crisis — following a political consensus mediated by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) under the influence of the United States — has faced significant delays. Nine months after its formation, Haiti’s leadership remains under pressure to deliver tangible progress on the political and security fronts.
Many political analysts agree that the transitional government has limited time to achieve its mandate. They say that Fils-Aimé and his cabinet must urgently address the insecurity and prepare the nation for free and fair elections.
The new transitional government faces immediate and complex issues. Gang violence continues to paralyze the nation via the control of Port-au-Prince and its surrounding areas, exacerbating insecurity and humanitarian crises.
The cabinet will also oversee constitutional reforms before organizing elections.
Since Moïse’s assassination, gang control over large parts of Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas has left the nation reeling. Restoring law and order is among the most urgent priorities for the CPT-Fils-Aimé administration.
The new government has less than 15 months to complete its mandate. Political observers note that the success of the transitional government depends on the swift and effective implementation of its plans. As the ministers take their posts in the coming week, the nation will be watching their ability to deliver solutions to Haiti’s most pressing challenges. — NNN-AGENCIES
