In a significant turn of events, Ariel Henry, the Prime Minister of Haiti, announced his resignation after the country has been engulfed in worsening gang violence and social chaos.
This decision came late Monday, as Henry declared his government would transition power following the establishment of a transitional council aimed at stabilizing the nation.
A Country in Crisis
For weeks, Haiti has been caught in an ever-tightening grip of gang violence, with attacks on government structures bringing the country to the brink of collapse. The Prime Minister’s resignation marks a critical point in the Caribbean nation’s ongoing struggle to restore order and peace.
In his speech announcing the resignation, Henry emphasized the country’s dire need for peace and stability. “My government will leave immediately after the inauguration of the council. We will be a caretaker government until they name a prime minister and a new cabinet,” Henry stated in a video address.
His adviser, Jean Junior Joseph, confirmed the prime minister’s resignation to CNN, specifying that Henry would remain in his role until a new interim government takes shape.
Regional Response and International Efforts
In response to the crisis, CARICOM, the Caribbean Community and Common Market, convened in Jamaica to discuss Haiti’s future. They agreed to set up a transitional council to lay the foundations for peaceful elections in Haiti.
“We are pleased to announce the commitment to transitional governance arrangement which paves the way for a peaceful transition of power and assurance that Haiti will be governed by the rule of law,” said Irfaan Ali, Guyana leader and CARICOM Chairman, emphasizing the initiative’s focus on governance continuity and security action plans.
The United States has urged Henry to expedite the transition to an inclusive governance structure while preparing Haiti for a multinational security mission and eventual elections. However, the future leadership remains uncertain, with the name Guy Philippe being mentioned as a possible successor.
The Depth of the Crisis
During Henry’s tenure, which began in 2021 following the assassination of then-president Jovenel Moïse, Haiti failed to conduct elections, citing rampant insecurity. This decision sparked outrage among protestors, as the nation further descended into poverty and uncontrollable gang violence.
The recent spike in violence saw gangs launching highly coordinated attacks on law enforcement and state institutions. A significant blow came when armed groups assaulted the country’s largest prison in Port-au-Prince, killing and injuring police and prison staff, leading to the escape of approximately 3,500 inmates.
Gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was an effort to overthrow Henry’s government. He warned, “If Ariel Henry doesn’t step down, if the international community continues to support Ariel Henry, they will lead us directly into a civil war that will end in genocide.”
A Plea for International Help
As gangs now control an estimated 80% of Port-au-Prince, the violence has displaced tens of thousands, adding to the over 300,000 already affected by gang-related displacement.
Amid this chaos, the UN’s human rights chief, Volker Türk, has called for a multinational security mission to aid the Haitian police, stating, “There is no realistic alternative available to protect lives.”
The need for humanitarian assistance is dire, with half the population, some 5.5 million Haitians, in need. About 1 million children are out of school, at risk of being recruited by gangs. Additionally, the country faces a cholera epidemic that has further strained its resources.
Moving Forward
As Haiti faces these unprecedented challenges, the resignation of Ariel Henry marks a moment of critical transition. The formation of a transitional government and the international community’s support are now pivotal in navigating the country out of crisis and towards a path of stability and democracy.
