Haiti’s newly selected prime minister, Garry Conille, was hospitalized late Saturday in the capital of Port-au-Prince just days after arriving in the country, his office announced. The reason for his hospitalization was not immediately known.
In a statement posted to social media, the prime minister’s office said that Conille was taken to a hospital after feeling unwell following a week of “intense activities.” Louis Gérald Gilles, a member of the transitional presidential council that chose Conille as leader, confirmed that Conille was in stable condition but did not have further information.
High-ranking officials, including the director of Haiti’s National Police and UNICEF’s representative in Haiti, were seen entering the hospital. A handful of curious onlookers gathered outside as authorities blocked the street with SUVs.
Conille was chosen as prime minister on May 28 after a convoluted selection process. He faces the daunting task of quelling widespread gang violence as the country prepares for the deployment of a Kenyan police force. This deployment was delayed due to the lack of a premier after former Prime Minister Ariel Henry stepped down in April.
Conille, who previously served as Haiti’s prime minister from 2011 to 2012, arrived in Haiti on June 1. He has been meeting with officials and visiting various parts of Port-au-Prince, including touring the main international airport and meeting with business leaders and telecommunications companies.
The prime minister had been meeting regularly with the transitional council as they debated the appointment of Haiti’s new Cabinet. The news of his hospitalization comes as a surprise and raises concerns about his ability to lead the country during this critical time.
