Haiti’s new prime minister promises security to a country reeling from recent massacres

PORT-AU-PRINCE (AP) — Haiti’s prime minister held his first press conference Thursday since being appointed more than a month ago to oversee the troubled Caribbean country reeling from recent massacres as Haitians demand government protection.

Alix Didier Fils-Aimé said he and the entire government bow deeply to those killed in Wharf Jérémie in Haiti’s capital and in Petite Rivière in the central Artibonite region, calling them innocent victims preyed upon by gangs. Local human rights groups have said more than 100 people, the majority between 60 and 80 years old including Vodou religious leaders, were killed on Friday and Saturday in the community of Cité-Soleil by a gang leader seeking to avenge his son’s death. The U.N. high commissioner of human rights put the death tally at 184 victims. Another massacre was reported on Tuesday night in Petite Rivière with some 20 people killed, including women and children.

“This is not acceptable,” Fils-Aimé said. “No one on earth should be living this way. As soon as someone wakes up in the morning, they’re scared, and they step out…not knowing if they’ll make it back home.” Fils-Aimé, a businessman who was appointed to the position on Nov. 10 after the previous prime minister was fired, said the government was fighting to guarantee everyone’s security. He did not provide details but said officials are working on strategies to move the country forward. “If you don’t hear from me, it’s because I’m working every day on the security situation,” he said.