Breaking News: Haitian Prime Minister Hospitalized for “Minor Discomfort” – Guadeloupe 1st
The newly appointed Prime Minister of Haiti, Garry Conille, has been hospitalized, as announced by Port-au-Prince on Saturday, citing “minor discomfort,” which a government source described as an “asthma attack.”
After a week of intense activities, Mr. Conille “experienced minor discomfort on Saturday afternoon and went to the hospital for treatment. His condition is currently stable.” – Haitian Prime Minister’s Office on X social network (8/06/2024)
A government source, who requested anonymity, had earlier informed AFP that the head of the government had “experienced an asthma attack,” adding that it was possible for Mr. Conille to be evacuated abroad for treatment. Last week, Mr. Conille, 58, was appointed Prime Minister by Haiti’s transitional presidential council following the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry in March amid a surge in gang violence in the country. He was sworn in on Monday.
A medical professional by trade, the political leader had previously served as the head of the Haitian government for six months between 2011 and 2012, and had recently worked as a regional director for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Prior to his medical emergency on Saturday, Mr. Conille had visited the international airport in the capital, Port-au-Prince, praising the efforts of security forces that had allowed for the resumption of flights after over three months of interruption due to violence. In late February, gangs launched coordinated attacks on strategic sites in Port-au-Prince, stating their intention to overthrow Mr. Henry. Port-au-Prince is reportedly 80% controlled by criminal gangs, accused of numerous atrocities, including murders, rapes, looting, and ransom kidnappings. The population is also facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with shortages of food, medicine, and other essential goods.
