Prime Minister Ariel Henry of Haiti has announced his resignation amidst a backdrop of escalating gang-led violence and a nation in crisis. The 74-year-old leader tendered his resignation following an emergency summit held by CARICOM leaders to address the deteriorating situation in Haiti, where rampant violence and repeatedly postponed elections have plunged the country into chaos.
The decision to step down came after pressure from an alliance of gangs, led by Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, who had threatened civil war if Henry remained in office. Cherizier’s gangs intensified their activities, prompting widespread unrest, particularly during Henry’s absence from the country last week.
Henry’s advisor, Jean Junior Joseph, confirmed the resignation, stating that the outgoing prime minister would continue in his role until the formation of a new interim government.
CARICOM Chairman Irfaan Ali announced Henry’s resignation during a press conference, emphasizing that it would occur upon the establishment of a transitional presidential council and the appointment of an interim prime minister.
The emergency summit convened by CARICOM in Jamaica aimed to restore stability and normalcy to Haiti, the poorest country in the region. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, also present at the summit, pledged additional support, including $100 million for a United Nations-backed force to stabilize Haiti and $30 million in humanitarian assistance.
The United States supported a proposal, developed in collaboration with CARICOM and Haitian stakeholders, to expedite a political transition through the creation of a broad-based, independent presidential college. This body would address the immediate needs of the Haitian people, facilitate the deployment of a security mission, and create conditions necessary for free elections, according to Blinken.
