Haiti’s new interim Prime Minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, was sworn in on Monday amid a surge of violence in the capital, Port-au-Prince. Shortly after his inauguration, gunfire erupted at Toussaint Louverture International Airport, where gangs targeted a Spirit Airlines commercial flight arriving from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Shots hit the plane, injuring a flight attendant who sustained minor injuries, according to Spirit Airlines and the U.S. Embassy. The flight, initially destined for Port-au-Prince, was redirected and landed safely in the Dominican Republic. In response to the incident, several airlines have temporarily suspended operations to Haiti due to escalating security concerns.
During his inauguration, Fils-Aimé emphasized the urgent need for restoring security, stating, “The first essential task that will determine the success of the transition is to re-establish the security of people, property and infrastructure, food security, and freedom of movement throughout the country.”
A former president of Haiti’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Fils-Aimé steps into leadership at a challenging time. The transitional council guiding Haiti towards democratic governance is currently facing corruption allegations involving three of its members, further complicating the government’s path to stability.
Fils-Aimé’s appointment comes after a 2015 Senate campaign and studies at Boston University. He was previously considered as a private sector candidate for the interim prime minister role, which was formerly held by Garry Conille.