PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Following an emergency summit by CARICOM leaders to address the escalating crisis in Haiti, Prime Minister Ariel Henry has officially stepped down from his position. The decision comes after mounting pressure amidst gang-led violence and postponed elections in the country.
CARICOM Chair, Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, confirmed Henry’s resignation, noting the establishment of a transitional presidential council and the appointment of an interim prime minister in Haiti. Ali expressed gratitude to Henry for his service to the nation.
Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, a sanctioned gang leader in Haiti, had previously threatened civil war if Henry did not resign. The situation worsened last week as Cherizier’s gangs unleashed chaos in Port-au-Prince while Henry was abroad seeking support for a foreign police intervention.
The unrest in Haiti has led to widespread frustration, with demands for Henry to leave office as agreed upon earlier. Recognizing the urgent need for stability in the nation, CARICOM convened emergency talks in Jamaica to address the crisis.
During the summit, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledged additional support, including $100 million for a UN-backed mission to stabilize Haiti and $30 million in humanitarian aid. The US emphasized the importance of expediting a political transition to address the immediate needs of the Haitian people.
As the situation unfolds, Henry remains in Puerto Rico after being denied entry into the Dominican Republic. The international community is closely monitoring the developments in Haiti, with efforts being made to restore order, enable free elections, and ensure the well-being of the Haitian population.