In a critical shift for Haiti, Prime Minister Garry Conille has been dismissed by the country’s transitional council, intensifying an already turbulent political scene marked by widespread violence and a humanitarian crisis. Conille, a former United Nations official and medical doctor, was appointed in May to guide Haiti through its gang-fueled emergency and help prepare for long-awaited presidential elections. His abrupt removal follows ongoing tensions with the ruling council, as kidnappings and killings continue to surge in the capital and beyond.

Replacing Conille is Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, a business owner and former Senate candidate, according to an official executive order published in Haiti’s national gazette. Fils-Aimé’s background includes studies at Boston University and past leadership in Haiti’s Chamber of Commerce, but he now steps into a highly volatile political role. His appointment comes amidst ongoing questions about the council’s authority, which, without an elected parliament, has been governing in a temporary capacity since Haiti’s last president was assassinated in 2021.

Conille’s tenure had been fraught with challenges. Despite his broad international support due to his background with UNICEF and his fluency in English, Conille often clashed with the transitional council. This nine-member council holds collective power until elections can establish a permanent government. Political infighting has become a frequent issue, with council members voicing frustration over Conille’s actions, including international trips without prior council approval and his push to oust three council members facing corruption allegations.

In recent months, Haiti’s humanitarian situation has become increasingly dire. The United Nations reported that nearly 4,900 people were killed in gang-related violence between January and September of this year alone, surpassing the death toll for all of 2023. In a shocking attack last month, over 100 individuals were massacred in Pont-Sondé, a town in the Artibonite region. Meanwhile, over 700,000 Haitians have been displaced, many fleeing neighborhoods overtaken by gangs that have blocked access to critical infrastructure like hospitals and police stations.

The transitional council justified Conille’s dismissal, stating that he had overstepped his role by involving himself in judicial matters, further straining relations between the council and Haiti’s fragile executive branch. Conille’s departure also coincides with international efforts to stabilize Haiti, including the arrival of Kenyan police forces in June, aimed at helping Haitian authorities reclaim control over gang-dominated areas. However, this intervention has so far shown limited results in easing the suffering of civilians facing food insecurity and displacement.

The dismissal of Conille, who had briefly served as prime minister once before in 2012, raises concerns about whether Haiti’s leadership can navigate its crises and restore enough stability to hold the elections it desperately needs.