Haiti's Prime Minister Ariel Henry has announced his resignation amidst escalating turmoil and mounting pressure from both within the country and international leaders. Following a meeting in Jamaica, regional leaders deliberated on a political transition for Haiti, prompting Henry's decision to step down. He remains stranded in Puerto Rico due to armed gangs preventing his return home.
In his resignation address via video, Henry appealed for calm among Haitians, emphasizing the need for peace and stability during this transitional period. His tenure, which began after the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, faced criticism for postponing elections and governing without an elected president.
The streets of Port-au-Prince have been under the control of heavily armed gangs, demanding Henry's resignation, while a state of emergency and curfew remain in place. Despite efforts to restore security, recent attacks on police stations and prisons have intensified the crisis.
The Caricom group of Caribbean nations, along with the United States, deemed Henry's continuation in office detrimental to Haiti's stability, urging his resignation to facilitate the establishment of a transitional council. While initially expected to oversee the transition, the severity of the situation prompted a change in the US stance.
Henry expressed a desire to return to Haiti pending an improvement in security conditions. The US has pledged additional support, with State Secretary Antony Blinken committing $100 million to a UN-backed security force, bringing the total US contribution to $300 million.
The transitional presidential council, as outlined by Caricom, aims to include representatives from various sectors and has been tasked with swiftly appointing an interim prime minister. This council is pivotal in paving the way for Haiti's first elections since 2016, amidst ongoing challenges stemming from chronic instability, natural disasters, and political upheaval.
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