Haiti’s transitional council has unveiled a new government, replacing all members of the previous Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s administration. The move is part of efforts to address economic challenges and widespread gang violence.

Announced on Tuesday, this comes two weeks after Garry Conille, former regional director for UNICEF, was appointed as interim prime minister.

Several ministers in the restructured cabinet are from outside the traditional political sphere.

Dominique Dupuy, Haiti’s representative to UNESCO, will serve as the foreign minister. Conille will also act as the interior minister, responsible for overseeing the Haitian National Police.

Authorities in Haiti have been struggling to contain gang violence. Over the past three years, armed groups have orchestrated attacks nationwide, blocked fuel terminals, and raided police stations in Port-au-Prince and other areas.

The turmoil is compounded by various crises affecting the country’s 11.5 million residents.

Haiti has endured periodic natural disasters, food insecurity, a cholera outbreak, and persistent political instability, including the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021.

Following Moise's assassination, Prime Minister Henry assumed the role of the de facto leader but faced legitimacy issues after he indefinitely postponed presidential and legislative elections.

Gang leaders and civil society groups demanded Henry’s resignation. He stepped down in April, allowing a transitional presidential council to assume control.

Haiti has not held an election since 2016. Earlier this year, the US Department of State stated that forming the new transitional council sets the stage for “free and fair elections” in Haiti.

The international community, spearheaded by the United States, has been advocating for a multinational security force to restore order in Haiti. Kenya is slated to lead this force.

Kenyan President William Ruto indicated that the UN-endorsed international officers would soon be deployed to the Caribbean nation.

“The people of Haiti, by the grace of God, may see our police officers sent to restore peace perhaps by next week or the following,” Ruto remarked on Sunday.

The force will face the significant challenge of reinstating security in Haiti. UN estimates suggest that 80 percent of Port-au-Prince and its surrounding locales are under the influence or control of gangs, responsible for murder, abduction, and sexual violence.