By Jean Daniel Sénat, Le Nouvelliste, Nov. 11, 2024
The Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) officially installed Alix Didier Fils-Aimé as the new Prime Minister of the transitional government. A ceremony for the handover of a copy of the decree appointing him was held at the Villa d’Accueil on Monday, November 11, 2024. Members of the outgoing government, diplomats, the Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH) Rameau Normil, the Commander of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS), Godfrey Otunge, business leaders, and political party figures attended the event. Prime Minister Garry Conille, who had denounced the unconstitutional nature of his dismissal the previous day, was notably absent.
In his remarks, Fils-Aimé called for unity and emphasized that his priorities would be restoring security and organizing elections. "Of course, the first essential task, which is crucial for the success of the transition, is the restoration of security. The security of people, property, and infrastructure, as well as food security and freedom of movement across the entire national territory... As for the national conference and constitutional reform, as well as institutional reform, respecting presidential prerogatives, I will ensure that the public administration fully supports these essential processes, which are key to the successful completion of the work that will lead to elections, the fundamental goal of the transition. The return to democratic order through the transparent and free choice of voters to elect their leaders is the main purpose of this transition of renewal, which is desired by all," said the new Prime Minister.
Fils-Aimé also called on the international community to support the success of the transition. "I urge our friends in the international community to support the calls from the Presidential Council and the outgoing government for more effective cooperation that takes into account the urgency of the situation. But we are aware that the solutions must essentially be Haitian," he said.
TPC president Leslie Voltaire justified the decision to end Garry Conille’s tenure due to the need for corrections in the transition. In his speech he said "the need to make certain corrections quickly became apparent, always with the aim of ensuring, in the common interest, the full success of this democratic and consensual experience. For the Transitional Presidential Council, it is urgent to act—act quickly, act correctly, in accordance with the laws of the Republic and in the direction of strengthening republican institutions. We don’t have much time left; now is the time to make these corrections to ensure the success of the transition".
"We opted for changes in the government based on the experiences of recent months. There were not only difficulties and obstacles. We have made significant strides with Prime Minister Conille, and I commend his courage and determination. We have laid a solid foundation that will allow the new Prime Minister to continue the transition’s work. I was personally impressed by the qualities and abilities of several members of the outgoing government. Once again, I am pleased to acknowledge their efforts and contributions," he continued.
Voltaire reminded the new Prime Minister that his actions must be inclusive, enabling the country to benefit from its rich human resources. "The eyes, Mr. Prime Minister, are now on you. Since each change at the head of government sparks a surge of hope, it is important to understand that the grace period granted to you will be very brief. There is no need to remind you of the urgency and multitude of expectations. Now is not the time for promises or false propaganda," he said.
After receiving his decree, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé was officially installed at his official residence in Musseau. Fils-Aimé begins his tenure in a context of rising tensions in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince. Armed gangs from the "Viv Ansanm" coalition launched simultaneous attacks in Port-au-Prince, Delmas, Tabarre, and Croix-des-Bouquets. Due to gunfire aimed at a Spirit Airlines plane, the Port-au-Prince airport will suspend both local and international flights for the coming days, leaving the capital isolated from the outside world, similar to the situation experienced between February and June 2024.
Translated by CHIP editors
Posted Nov. 13, 2024