Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Resigns Amidst Escalating Violence

Haiti’s prime minister, Ariel Henry has agreed late Monday to step aside following weeks of escalating violence in the country.

Caribbean nations secured Henry’s resignation at an emergency meeting in Jamaica.

Mohamed Ali, Guyana’s president and the current chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), said Henry tendered his resignation after CARICOM leaders held an emergency summit in Jamaica on the crisis in Haiti.

In a video address late Monday, the 74-year-old politician said his government would leave power after the establishment of a transitional council.

“We will be a caretaker government until they name a prime minister and a new cabinet,” Henry said in a video address.
“I want to thank the Haitian people for the opportunity I had been granted. I’m asking all Haitians to remain calm and do everything they can for peace and stability to come back as fast as possible.”

Gang leaders had demanded the departure of Henry who, while speaking of himself as a transitional figure, had remained in power since 2021 when Haiti’s president was assassinated. Haiti has not held an election since 2016.