Ariel Henry, Haiti’s unelected Prime Minister, announced on Monday his intended resignation, pending the appointment of a transition council and interim replacement. This marks the end of his tenure since the assassination of the country’s, last president, Jovenel Moise, in 2021.
His absence during escalating conflict which armed gangs grew steadily influence left him stranded in Puerto Rico. He initially flew to seek for help in Kenya in February, which was met with warmth and promise of reinforcement of Police officers. These actions prompted calls from the U.S and others to call for an immediate transition.
The 74-year-old Neurosurgeon in a video address said, “The government that I am leading will resign immediately after the installation of (a transition) council,” Henry said while he also “…thank the Haitian people for the opportunity I had been granted.” While also ensuring calm, he said, “I’m asking all Haitians to remain calm and do everything they can for peace and stability to come back as fast as possible,”
Celebrations erupted on Haitian streets as news of Henry’s resignation spread, with jubilant scenes captured on social media, signaling hope for stability amidst ongoing turmoil. While Henry remains in the U.S territory of Puerto Rico for now, security concerns in Haiti must improve for his return or to go elsewhere, according to a U.S official. The resignation decision would pave the way for a presidential council to oversee the transition, comprising representatives from various sectors, tasked with appointing an interim prime minister and preparing for elections.
Regional leaders had although, convened in Jamaica on Monday, March 10th, 2024, to discuss the transition framework, emphasizing the urgent need to address Haiti’s security crisis and facilitate free and fair elections. The United States pledged additional financial support of $100 million to this force and $33 million in humanitarian aid, bringing the U.S.’ total pledge to the force to $300 million for international peacekeeping efforts, aiming to level up the gang violence and restore order.
Meanwhile, armed gangs, emboldened under Henry’s administration, continue to pose a threat to stability which may transcend into a humanitarian crisis and displacing hundreds of thousands of Haitians.
The United Nations has called attention to the dire situation in Haiti, urging swift action to address internal displacement, violence, and food shortages. While citing that 362,000 people have been internally displaced and other reports of rape, ransom kidnapping and torture.
Gang leader Jimmy “Barbeque” Cherizier’s threats, statements and actions emphasizes the volatile environment. He keeps up his threat by intending to go fish out politicians hiding in hotels and summarily deal with hotel owners harboring them. He although, continues demanding a leader chosen by the people to reside in Haiti. Cherizier’s rhetoric interprets into widespread discontent with the political establishment, perceived as corrupt and disconnected from the populace.