Haitian Prime Minister Resigns Amidst Political Turmoil

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry has officially resigned from his position, a role he held since 2021, as announced by Caribbean Community chairman Irfaan Ali on Monday. 

The 74-year-old neurosurgeon’s departure comes amidst a challenging political landscape, marked by escalating violence and calls for his resignation.

Henry, who was stranded in Puerto Rico due to a surge in violence in Port-au-Prince during his recent visit to Kenya, had been leading efforts to secure the country’s leadership in a United Nations-backed international security mission. 

His absence intensified the political crisis, prompting the establishment of a transitional presidential council and the appointment of an interim prime minister.

Regional leaders, convening in Jamaica earlier on Monday, discussed the framework for a political transition, responding to the urgent call for stability. 

The U.S. had urged the process to be “expedited,” while various factions, including armed gangs, pressed for Henry’s resignation.

The talks involved key stakeholders from Haiti’s political parties, private sector, civil society, and religious groups, with the aim of establishing a transition council. 

This council would play a pivotal role in addressing the immediate needs of the Haitian people, facilitating the deployment of the international security mission, and creating the necessary security conditions for free and fair elections.

Henry, who faced accusations of corruption and had repeatedly postponed elections citing the need for restored security, succumbed to mounting pressure. 

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of establishing a “broad-based, inclusive, independent presidential college” to guide Haiti through this tumultuous period.

As Haiti navigates this critical juncture, the focus now shifts to the formation of the transitional council and the broader efforts to stabilize the nation, setting the stage for its first elections since 2016.

Chioma Kalu

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