Prime Minister Ariel Henry took office yesterday, more than four months after assuming leadership of Haiti following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse.
The appointments come as Haiti struggles with increasing violence, kidnappings and ongoing fuel shortages attributed to powerful gangs that have blocked gas distribution terminals.
“You accepted this under difficult conditions,” Henry told his new cabinet.
He appointed nine ministers to a variety of positions, including foreign affairs, economics, justice, education and health.
Among those named is Jean Victor Géneus, who will replace Claude Joseph as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship. Joseph briefly served as Acting Prime Minister after Moïse was assassinated in his private home in the hours before dawn on July 7.
Henry warned that difficult decisions lie ahead given the complex situation in Haiti and said his administration is doing the best it can to ensure public safety with the resources it has.
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“We are doing the most with the funds that we have available to restore the authority of the state and eliminate those that need to be eliminated,” he said. “One of the main responsibilities of this government is to create a safe and stable environment.”
Henry condemned the ongoing violence and asked the criminals to lay down their weapons, or else: "will be neutralized and end up in prison or risk losing their lives".
Haiti is battling a surge in gang-related kidnappings, including the Oct. 16 kidnapping of 17 missionaries linked to an Ohio-based religious organization. Two of them were released on Sunday, although no further details were provided.
“As we rejoice for the two hostages who were released over the weekend, we continue to pray for the fifteen who are still in captivity,” Christian Aid Ministries said in a statement Wednesday.
Henry also spoke about fuel shortages and spiraling prices, saying the government has invested tens of thousands of dollars to subsidize gas, but cannot sustain that situation for much longer. He said he would address the issue in the near future.
In addition, Henry urged the new health minister to launch a campaign and encourage more people to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
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