Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry has resigned as the head of the Caribbean’s nation government.
According to the chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICIOM) and Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Henry resigned on Tuesday, March 12 leaving the position he has held since 2021.
His resignation comes after regional leaders met in nearby Jamaica to discuss a framework for a political transition in Haiti.
“We acknowledge his resignation upon the establishment of a transitional presidential council and naming of an interim prime minister,” said Ali.
According to reports, the meeting agreed to appoint a seven-member presidential panel to select an acting Prime Minister to take over from Henry.
Two observers will assist the Prime Minister govern Haiti and oversee the transition to elections.
“I think we can all agree that Haiti is on the brink of disaster. We must take quick and decisive action here in this room to bring the situation under control and to return the country to the Haitian people,” Irfaan said.
“The difficult decisions we make here today will have to be in the interest of the Haitian people.”
Additionally, CARICIOM said the interim Prime Minister will prepare for the arrival of a multinational security support mission headed by Kenyan police officers.
Gangs Demand for Henry’s Resignation
Henry’s resignation comes after he visited Kenya to sign a deal on the deployment of security force to help tackle violence in the country.
Heavily armed gangs have controlled the streets of the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince in recent days, demanding for his resignation.
During Henry’s visit to Kenya, the armed groups burnt down police stations and released thousands of inmates from two prisons.
One of the gang leaders, Jimmy Cherizier, described the move as an attempt to overthrow Henry’s government.
Cherizier also took credit for the attacks and warned of more severe consequences if the international community “continues to support Henry.”
“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,” Cherizier said.
“The international community, especially the United States, Canada, France, and the Core Group will be responsible for all the people who die in Haiti.”
Henry is currently stranded in Puerto Rico after being prevented by the armed gangs from returning to the country.
The plane carrying him was stopped from landing following sustained attacks at Haiti’s international airport.
According to the Miami Herald, Henry planned to return to Haiti via the United States (US) and the Dominican Republic but was diverted to Puerto Rico after the Dominican government changed its mind.
US officials called Henry mid-flight in an effort to persuade him to step aside in favor of a transitional administration, the report also said.
Also Read: No Toilet, No Shower: Haiti Situation Awaiting Kenyan Police
Deployment of Kenya Police to Haiti
Speaking on Monday, March 11, Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki emphasized that the Kenyan mission to the Carribean nation is in the pre-deployment stage.
He said the two governments had reached an agreement paving way for the deployment despite the courts halting the mission.
“There was a small court matter, but it has been resolved. We are now in the pre-deployment stage all the other programs are in place,” he said.
Also Read: U.S Declares Stance on Haiti Prime Minister Amid Push to Resign
President’s Assassination
Henry had led the country since the assassination of former president President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.
According to police, Moïse, 53, was shot dead inside his home in the Pelerin 5 neighborhood, in the hills above Port-au-Prince.
The president was shot 12 times and had bullet wounds on his forehead and several to his torso.
He died at the scene and was found lying on the floor on his back, his shirt soaked in blood. The first lady, Martine Moïse, was also shot but survived.
