Haiti Prime Minister Resigns Amid Deadly Gang Violence
In a dramatic turn of events, Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry has officially resigned as a new council takes the reins in a country plagued by deadly gang violence.
The recent surge in violence forced officials to relocate the swearing-in ceremony from the National Palace in the capital to the outgoing prime minister’s office.
Henry’s resignation comes after armed groups blocked his return to the country, leaving most of the capital, Port-au-Prince, under the control of gangs.
With the power vacuum created by the prime minister’s departure, the gangs have seized the opportunity to expand their influence, turning parts of the country into lawless territories.
Ariel Henry had planned to step down after facing obstacles during his return from Kenya, where he had negotiated a deal to bring in a multinational security force to restore order.
The newly formed transitional council, consisting of nine members, rushed to implement strict security measures ahead of their swearing-in ceremony. The council’s mission is to devise a plan to restore stability and usher Haiti back into democratic governance, with the support of other Caribbean nations and the US.
The ceremony, originally scheduled to take place at the National Palace, had to be relocated to the prime minister’s office due to gunfire heard in the vicinity. Gangs, including the notorious Viv Ansanm group led by Jimmy Chérizier, had threatened to disrupt the event.
Chérizier, also known as Barbecue, warned the council in a social media video, signaling potential challenges ahead. The gang leader emphasized the need for armed groups to be included in discussions about the country’s future to prevent further violence.
The situation in Haiti has been labeled as “cataclysmic” by the United Nations, with over 1,500 fatalities and 800 injuries reported in the first three months of 2024. Gangs have been accused of committing heinous acts of violence and abuse, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Aid organizations have encountered difficulties in delivering essential supplies to the capital, leaving millions without access to food and water, pushing some to the brink of starvation.
The road ahead for Haiti remains uncertain as the country grapples with the dual challenges of gang violence and political instability.
