Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry has resigned amidst escalating gang violence, coinciding with the inauguration of a new council tasked with guiding the nation through turmoil. The ceremony, relocated from the National Palace to the outgoing prime minister’s office due to recent unrest, underscores the gravity of the situation.
Henry’s departure comes in the wake of armed groups impeding his return to Haiti, signaling a broader struggle for control within the capital, Port-au-Prince, and beyond. With gangs seizing territory and exploiting the vacuum left by his exit, lawlessness has entrenched itself in various regions.
The former prime minister’s decision to step down follows his efforts to broker international assistance for security reinforcement, notably through a multinational force agreement signed during his stay in Kenya. His resignation, formalized through a letter dated April 24 from Los Angeles, signifies a pivotal moment in Haiti’s quest for stability amidst rampant violence.