Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé held his first press conference on Thursday, over a month after his appointment, to address the escalating gang violence that has left the nation reeling from recent massacres.
Fils-Aimé expressed deep condolences to the victims of recent attacks in Wharf Jérémie, a neighborhood in the capital Port-au-Prince, and in Petite Rivière in the central Artibonite region. He described the victims as “innocent people preyed upon by gangs” and called the violence “unacceptable.”
Local human rights organizations have reported that more than 100 people, primarily elderly individuals aged 60 to 80, including Vodou religious leaders, were killed in Cité-Soleil by a gang leader seeking revenge for his son’s death. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights placed the death toll at 184.
On Tuesday, another massacre in Petite Rivière claimed at least 20 lives, including women and children.
“No one on earth should be living this way,” said Fils-Aimé. “People wake up scared, unsure if they’ll make it back home.”
Government response and criticism
Fils-Aimé, a businessman appointed on November 10, stated that his administration is working to guarantee security for all Haitians. However, he did not share specific details, adding, “If you don’t hear from me, it’s because I’m working every day on the security situation.”
The prime minister has faced criticism from local media for his limited public appearances and lack of communication since assuming office. In response, he urged Haitians to remain vigilant and collaborate with law enforcement, emphasizing that Haiti’s National Police (PNH) cannot solve the crisis alone.
“They need help,” he said, referencing the Kenyan-led U.N.-backed mission assisting Haitian authorities in combating gang violence. “We all have to put our heads together to regain the Haiti that we want.”
Fils-Aimé praised police efforts, calling them “heroes,” and noted that funding for law enforcement has doubled. However, he provided no further specifics. He also announced plans to support businesses that were forced to shut down due to gang activity.
Rising gang violence in Haiti
Haiti’s security crisis has reached alarming levels, with gangs controlling approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince. Over 5,000 people have been killed so far this year, many in gang-related violence. Recent attacks included gunfire at the country’s main international airport, which struck a U.S. flight attendant. While the airport reopened Wednesday, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration extended a ban on commercial flights to Port-au-Prince through March 12.
Despite the grim statistics, Fils-Aimé said his government is focused on creating strategies to move Haiti forward. He concluded his 10-minute address without taking questions, promising that the government would continue to fight for justice, reparations, and stability for Haiti’s people.
