Haiti’s newly appointed interim Prime Minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, was sworn in on Monday as violence surged in the capital, Port-au-Prince. Shortly after his inauguration, gunfire erupted at Toussaint Louverture International Airport, where armed gangs targeted a Spirit Airlines flight arriving from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Shots fired at the plane struck a flight attendant, who suffered minor injuries, according to reports from Spirit Airlines and the U.S. Embassy. The flight, originally scheduled to land in Port-au-Prince, was diverted to the Dominican Republic and landed safely. In response to the escalating violence, some airlines have temporarily suspended flights to Haiti due to security concerns.
During his inauguration, Fils-Aimé emphasized the urgent need for 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.”
Fils-Aimé, a prominent businessman and former president of Haiti’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, assumes office at a particularly turbulent time for the country. The transitional council overseeing the restoration of democratic rule has recently faced allegations of corruption against three of its members, further hindering efforts to stabilize the government.
Fils-Aimé’s appointment follows his 2015 Senate campaign and studies at Boston University. He was previously considered a private sector candidate for interim prime minister before the role was held by Garry Conille.