Haiti PM Ariel Henry resigns

Haiti’s Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, announced his resignation late Monday, succumbing to mounting pressure from armed gangs that have plunged the nation into a state of anarchy. The Caribbean region, alarmed by the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis, secured Henry’s resignation during an emergency meeting in Jamaica, where US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledged an additional $100 million to facilitate the deployment of an international security force, spearheaded by Kenya.

Gangs have seized control over vast portions of the Western Hemisphere’s most impoverished country, intensifying the crisis in recent weeks with rampant violence, looting, and growing fears of a famine. The resignation comes as a response to demands from influential gang leaders, who insisted on Henry’s departure. Despite positioning himself as a transitional figure, Henry had clung to power since 2021 following the assassination of Haiti’s president, with no elections held since 2016.

Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, chair of the Caribbean regional body CARICOM, announced the resignation after diplomatic efforts over the weekend. Ali commended Henry’s selfless intent for the nation’s success, acknowledging the challenging circumstances with the prime minister stranded in Puerto Rico due to the non-functional state of Haiti’s main airport.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed Henry’s resignation during a telephone call initiated by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, revealing that the decision had been agreed upon on Friday, awaiting confirmation at the Kingston conference. Plans to prevent reprisals against Henry and his allies were discussed, with the United States extending an offer of refuge on US soil if the outgoing prime minister felt unsafe in Haiti.

The crisis talks, attended by senior officials from Brazil, Canada, France, and Mexico, outlined a plan for Haiti’s new Transitional Presidential Council. Comprising seven voting members, including representatives from major political parties, the private sector, and civil society, the council aims to restore authority in a country where lawlessness has taken its toll. Urgency was emphasized by Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who warned of the looming threat of all-out civil war, calling for decisive action to prevent further chaos.

In response to the escalating situation, Blinken announced a substantial increase in aid, pledging an additional $100 million for an international stabilization force, bringing the United States’ total commitment to $300 million. Another $33 million in immediate humanitarian assistance was offered to address the pressing needs of the Haitian people.

As international efforts intensify, the eyes initially turned to Canada, but concerns over the mission’s danger and uncertain success prompted a cautious withdrawal. Kenya emerged as a potential leader for the intervention, overcoming setbacks due to a domestic court ruling against deployment. The plan gained momentum after a reciprocal agreement between Haiti and Kenya, although Henry’s inability to return to Haiti amid surging violence highlights the immense challenges ahead.