Garry Conille, Haiti's ex-prime minister from 2011 to 2012, was named as the new prime minister by Haiti's transitional government council on May 28, according to one of its members. 

Speaking with AFP, one of the council members said that Conille was chosen in a 6-1 vote on the afternoon of May 28. 

On social media, Council President Edgard Leblanc and member Fritz Alphonse Jean also declared that Conille was selected as the new prime minister. 

Suite à des échanges au sein du Conseil Présidentiel de Transition après les auditions des candidats retenus pour le poste de Premier Ministre, le Dr. Garry Conille est choisi par consensus pour diriger le gouvernement de la période de Transition.

— Edgard LEBLANC Fils (@EdgardLeblanc) May 28, 2024

Mission in disguise: US-founded, Kenya-led force touched down in Haiti

Hundreds of foreign security and military forces are expected to land in Haiti soon as part of a US-established UN-approved mission to deploy soldiers and police members in the Caribbean country, The Washington Post reported on May 24.

The situation in Haiti plummeted starting late February as powerful and well-armed gangs took control of most of the capital Port-au-Prince and much of the country saying they aimed at toppling Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry – who resigned last month.

Kenya will lead the mission with the most personnel, supported by up to 2,500 police officers and troops from different nations to allegedly "stabilize" the security situation in the country. Forming the coalition, the United States stated it would not take charge or offer troops. Challenges in finding a willing country to lead the effort have initially delayed the mission. 

Washington will be offering the operation financing, equipping, and training.

Last week, a small group of Kenyan officials arrived in Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince.

In late April, a transitional ruling council of nine members in Haiti was sworn in to lead the country until fresh polls, with an elected government to take over by February 6, 2026. The council later chose politician Edgard Leblanc Fils as its head.

Congressional Republicans have hindered certain funding, expressing concerns about unresolved queries regarding rules and parameters of engagement and exit strategies. Members of the transitional presidential council also said they have been provided with minimal information.

The transitional council has yet to form a national security council to work with the foreign force. Council member Leslie Voltaire told The Washington Post that they expected to discuss the rules of engagement with Kenyan officials during a meeting on May 30.