Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry tendered his resignation on Monday, March 11, following a high-stakes meeting convened by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Mohammed Irfaan Ali, the President of Guyana and CARICOM’s chairman, confirmed Henry’s resignation in a statement, marking a pivotal moment in Haiti’s tumultuous political landscape.
The crisis meeting, attended by leaders from the 15-member CARICOM bloc, as well as representatives from the United States and Canada, was prompted by escalating turmoil in the Caribbean nation. Amidst widespread unrest and mounting pressure from various factions, including powerful gangs, Haiti found itself on the brink of catastrophe.
In response to the unfolding crisis, CARICOM leaders swiftly moved to establish a transitional presidential council and appoint an interim prime minister. The seven-member panel tasked with selecting the new interim premier aims to navigate Haiti through this turbulent period and pave the way for democratic elections.
“We acknowledge his resignation upon the establishment of a transitional presidential council and naming of an interim prime minister,” stated President Ali, underscoring the urgency of the situation and the need for decisive action.
The plan outlined during the meeting includes the deployment of two observers alongside the interim prime minister to facilitate governance and ensure a smooth transition to elections. CARICOM leaders emphasized the imperative of prioritizing the interests of the Haitian people amidst the prevailing crisis.
“I think we can all agree that Haiti is on the brink of disaster. We must take quick and decisive action here in this room to bring the situation under control and to return the country to the Haitian people,” remarked President Ali, echoing the sentiments of his counterparts.
The resignation of Prime Minister Henry comes in the wake of his recent trip to Kenya, where he found himself stranded following a series of violent incidents orchestrated by gangs in Haiti. With the nation’s main airport under siege and the maximum prison breached, Henry was compelled to seek refuge in Puerto Rico.
The demands for Henry’s resignation, fueled by escalating violence and insecurity, underscored the gravity of the challenges facing Haiti. Gangs, wielding significant influence, sought to leverage their power to destabilize the government and impose their will on the beleaguered nation.
In a significant development, plans to deploy 1,000 police officers from Kenya to Haiti are currently underway, confirmed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki. The deployment, part of an agreement between the governments of Kenya and Haiti, aims to bolster security and restore stability in the crisis-stricken country.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who participated in the meeting held in Jamaica, reiterated the importance of international support in addressing Haiti’s deepening crisis. The impending arrival of Kenyan police officers underscores the global community’s commitment to assisting Haiti in overcoming its challenges and charting a path towards peace and prosperity.
As Haiti navigates through this tumultuous period, the appointment of an interim prime minister and the deployment of international security forces signal a concerted effort to address the urgent needs of the Haitian people and stabilize the country amidst unprecedented turmoil.