Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry has announced his intention to resign, a decision made in the wake of mounting international pressure and the country’s escalating crisis. Henry’s announcement came shortly after a crucial meeting in Jamaica, where Caribbean leaders and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken convened to address Haiti’s dire situation, exacerbated by violent gangs that have significantly disrupted the nation’s stability.
In a statement released early Tuesday, Henry committed to stepping down once a transitional presidential council is established and an interim Prime Minister is appointed. This move is seen as a response to the chaos that has engulfed Haiti, described by some experts as akin to a low-scale civil war. Henry expressed his government’s inability to remain indifferent to the turmoil, emphasizing the need for sacrifice for the country’s betterment.
The crisis in Haiti has seen violent gangs attacking police stations, the main airport, and raiding two of the country’s largest prisons, leading to a significant breakdown of law and order. The international community, including Brazil, Canada, France, Mexico, the United Nations, and the U.S., is actively discussing how to assist Haiti in navigating this multidimensional crisis.
Henry’s resignation follows the U.S. State Department’s request for Marines to bolster U.S. personnel in Haiti as gang violence continues to disrupt the Caribbean country. The U.S. military has also conducted operations to secure the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, allowing mission operations to continue and enabling non-essential personnel to depart.
The violence has resulted in numerous deaths and left over 15,000 residents homeless, fleeing neighborhoods raided by gangs. These raids have also led to the release of more than 4,000 inmates, further complicating the crisis. Amid these challenges, Blinken announced additional financial support for Haiti, including $100 million to finance the deployment of a multinational force and another $33 million in humanitarian aid.
As Haiti faces this critical juncture, the international community’s role in supporting a peaceful transition and addressing the humanitarian needs of the Haitian people remains paramount. Henry’s resignation marks a significant moment in Haiti’s ongoing struggle for stability and governance.