Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry Resigns

Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry Resigns: Ariel Henry, the Prime Minister of Haiti, has stepped down in the wake

of intensifying violence within the nation. Mohamed Ali, President of Guyana and current Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM),

announced Henry’s resignation following an emergency summit in Jamaica convened by CARICOM leaders to address the crisis in Haiti.

In a late-night video statement, the 74-year-old politician declared his government’s intention to relinquish power upon

the formation of a transitional council. Henry assured the Haitian people that his administration would serve as a caretaker

until a new prime minister and cabinet were appointed.

Speaking from Puerto Rico, where he was stranded after being denied landing permission in Haiti, Henry expressed gratitude

to the Haitian populace for the opportunity to serve and urged them to remain calm, advocating for the swift restoration of peace and stability.

The Resignation

Henry’s resignation came amid his efforts in Kenya to garner support for a UN-backed security force aimed at restoring security in Haiti.

However, his absence coincided with a surge in violence, including a rebel group’s liberation of over 4,000 inmates from two major

prisons in Port-au-Prince and attacks on key government institutions.

Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, a prominent gang leader, had demanded Henry’s resignation, linking an end to the violence to his departure.

Haiti has been grappling with political instability since the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, exacerbated by Henry’s prolonged interim leadership and postponement of elections due to security concerns.

According to President Ali, a transitional council comprising two observers and seven voting members will appoint Henry’s interim successor, with prospective electoral candidates ineligible for council membership. This move aims to pave the way for credible and inclusive elections in Haiti’s future.