Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry has announced his resignation in the wake of escalating violence and mounting political pressure in the troubled nation. The decision comes after regional leaders convened in Jamaica to discuss the urgent need for a political transition in Haiti.
Henry, who had been stranded in Puerto Rico due to security concerns posed by armed gangs preventing his return, addressed the Haitian people in a video statement, urging calm amidst the tumultuous situation. Henry stated:
“The government that I am leading will resign immediately after the installation of [a transition] council,”
He had been serving as interim Prime Minister since July 2021 following the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse, but faced criticism for repeatedly postponing elections, citing the imperative of restoring security.
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The capital, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding areas have been gripped by a state of emergency amid a surge in gang-related violence. The recent attacks on police stations and prisons have aggravated an already dire situation, with armed groups demanding Henry’s resignation.
A former elections minister in Haiti, Matthias Pierre, described the current conditions as “very precarious,” citing the weakened state of law enforcement and the looming threat of food and medical shortages.
Amidst these challenges, the resignation of Henry marks a pivotal moment for Haiti’s political landscape. The Caricom group of Caribbean nations had been advocating for his departure to facilitate a transition to a more stable government.
The United States, which had initially supported Henry’s return to oversee the transition, shifted its stance in light of the escalating violence. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledged additional support for a UN-backed security force to aid Haiti.
Haiti Political Turmoil
Haiti’s persistent political crisis for the third consecutive year, grappling with escalating violence and enduring hardships that have left innocent civilians vulnerable was ignited by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.
This has unleashed a wave of violence, plunging Haiti into chaos and instability. Nonstate armed groups have seized control, exacerbating security concerns and disrupting the delivery of essential services to the population.
Gangs have exploited governance weaknesses, rampant corruption, and an overwhelmed police force to expand their influence, perpetuating a cycle of violence and instability. Shockingly, the first nine months of 2023 witnessed over 5,600 gang-related incidents, resulting in thousands of killings and kidnappings.
This year Haiti has already witnessed a surge in protest activity, with demonstrations paralyzing towns across the nation. Calls for the departure of acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry on February 7.
Despite efforts to reach a political resolution, negotiations have faltered, making tensions between the government and the opposition worse. The failure to hold elections as mandated by previous agreements has fueled discontent among the populace, further complicating Haiti’s path towards stability and recovery.
