Following a gathering of regional leaders in Jamaica to discuss Haiti’s political transition, Prime Minister Ariel Henry has resigned from his post. Henry, who has been stranded in Puerto Rico due to armed gangs preventing his return, made the announcement via video address, urging Haitians to remain calm during this period.
Henry had been leading the country on an interim basis since July 2021 following the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse. However, he faced criticism for repeatedly postponing elections, citing the need to restore security first. The capital, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding areas have been under a month-long state of emergency due to the tightening grip of heavily armed gangs.
Matthias Pierre, a former elections minister, described the situation in Haiti as “very precarious,” with widespread destruction of police stations and limited law enforcement capabilities. Gangs have demanded Henry’s resignation, leading to increased instability.
The resignation follows pressure from the Caricom group of Caribbean nations, who viewed Henry as an obstacle to Haiti’s stability. The White House initially hoped for Henry’s return to oversee the transition, but escalating violence led to a change in stance.
While Henry expressed a desire to return to Haiti, the security situation must improve first, according to US officials. The US has committed additional funds to support a UN-backed security force led by Kenya.
The transitional presidential council, established following Henry’s resignation, aims to appoint an interim prime minister swiftly and prepare for upcoming elections. With Haiti facing its first elections since 2016, the council’s formation marks a critical step towards restoring stability and democratic governance in the country.