PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — On Thursday, Haiti’s newly appointed Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé conducted his first press conference, drawing attention to the escalating violence and the calls for government intervention in the Caribbean nation. Since his appointment over a month ago, Fils-Aimé has been under pressure to address the safety concerns of the citizens following a series of brutal attacks by gangs.
During the conference, Fils-Aimé expressed condolences to the families of the victims of the recent massacres in Wharf Jérémie and Petite Rivière. He described those who lost their lives as innocent victims who fell prey to the violence of gangs. Local human rights organizations reported that violence in Cité-Soleil led to the deaths of over 100 individuals, predominantly elderly, including Vodou leaders, due to a gang leader’s desire for revenge for his son’s death. The U.N. high commissioner for human rights reported an even higher toll of 184 confirmed fatalities.
A further attack was reported in Petite Rivière, where approximately 20 more people, including women and children, lost their lives. “This is not acceptable,” Fils-Aimé emphasized, highlighting the fear that has gripped the population, making daily life a source of anxiety and uncertainty regarding personal safety.
Fils-Aimé, a businessman who took office on November 10 following the dismissal of the previous prime minister, assured the public that the government is committed to ensuring security for all citizens. Although lacking specific details, he mentioned that officials are devising strategies to advance the nation’s safety and stability. “If you don’t hear from me, it’s because I’m working every day on the security situation,” he stated, aiming to reassure the public of his focus on the challenges at hand.
Since stepping into his role, Fils-Aimé has faced criticism from local media regarding his visibility and availability. He called for collaboration between the justice minister and the police to ensure that victims of gang violence receive justice and support, urging the public to assist law enforcement in maintaining security. “They need help,” he said of the underfunded and understaffed National Police, who are currently collaborating with Kenyan police under a U.N.-supported mission to tackle gang violence. “One group of people cannot provide security. We all have to put our heads together to regain the Haiti that we want.”
The Prime Minister praised the dedication of the Haitian police, while the country’s finance minister revealed that the budget for police operations has been increased significantly, although he did not provide further context on this funding.
Additionally, Fils-Aimé noted that the government is preparing initiatives to assist citizens in reopening businesses that have been forced to close due to gang-related violence. Alarmingly, reports indicate that over 5,000 individuals have lost their lives this year in Haiti, with the majority attributed to gang violence that now dominates approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince.
The Prime Minister’s remarks spanned about ten minutes, and he opted not to address questions from the media. Fils-Aimé is recognized as the former president of Haiti’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and in 2015, he unsuccessfully campaigned for a Senate position. A graduate of Boston University, he was also considered for the position of Prime Minister earlier this year, following the resignation of Ariel Henry after a series of coordinated gang assaults on vital government infrastructures.
Gang-related violence intensified recently, with armed groups targeting neighborhoods that were previously peaceful and even firing upon U.S. commercial flights at Haiti’s principal international airport, injuring a flight attendant. The airport has since reopened, yet the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has extended its ban on flights to Port-au-Prince through March 12.