Haiti's Leadership Crisis Deepens: Prime Minister Ariel Henry

Haiti is grappling with deepening chaos as criminal gangs tighten their control over up to 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The situation has reached a critical point, prompting the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, a significant development in the country’s already turbulent political landscape.

The resignation follows a meeting in Jamaica, where representatives from Caribbean nations, the United Nations, France, and the United States gathered to address Haiti’s pressing issues. Stranded in Puerto Rico, Prime Minister Henry engaged remotely with Caricom members, highlighting the complexity of the situation.

Haiti’s political instability stems from the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, with no elections held since 2016. Prime Minister Henry, who was appointed by Moïse, was set to step down in early February, further contributing to the leadership vacuum.

Despite diplomatic efforts, including Henry’s agreement to deploy Kenyan police officers to Haiti, the crisis persists. Discussions in Kingston aimed to formalize a proposal urging Henry to transfer power to a transitional council that would represent Haitian civil society.

In a statement preceding his resignation, Prime Minister Henry reiterated the government’s commitment to establishing a transitional presidential council. He outlined plans for the council members to be selected in consultation with various sectors of national life. However, the challenges facing Haiti remain daunting, and the path forward remains uncertain amid escalating criminal activities and a pressing need for political stability.