BREAKING: Haiti’s PM agrees to resign as country moves towards fresh elections

By Vishani Ragobeer
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Haiti’s incumbent Prime Minister, Ariel Henry has agreed to resign following the establishment of a new transitional presidential council that is expected to take the country embroiled in crisis to fresh elections.

This was announced by the current Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday night in Kingston, Jamaica.

Ali and other regional and international leaders engaged in Jamaica all day Monday, hoping to determine a resolution for the crisis-stricken sister CARICOM state. And at a late night press conference, President Ali outlined what seems to be a way forward for the country.

“…We acknowledge the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry upon the establishment of a transitional presidential council and the naming of an interim Prime Minister,” President Ali announced at the press engagement on Monday night.

Henry’s resignation will come as a result of the formation of a new governance arrangement.

“We are pleased to announce the commitment to a transitional governance arrangement which paves the way to a peaceful transition of power, continuity of governance, an action plan for near term security and the road to free and fair elections,” Dr. Ali said.

This committee has many functions but primarily focuses on guiding Haiti towards fresh elections. President Ali said it is tasked with “swiftly” appointing a new interim Prime Minister, appoint an “inclusive” council of ministers and map out a peaceful transition of government, including setting out essential criteria for an electoral council.

The CARICOM Chairman was quick to point out that the decisions outlined were taken only after consultations with a diverse group of Haitians ranging from political players, members of the religious community, the private sector and civil society.

He clarified that, to the best of their knowledge, there were no engagements with Haitian gang members or leaders.

He, however, said: “We implore all parties, all stakeholders, all Haitians to be patient. This process requires patience.”

The challenges of the already fragile country boiled over in 2021, when its President Jovenel Moise was assassinated. Gang violence has engulfed the country and the United Nations (UN) estimates that conflict in the country killed about 5,000 people last year.

Henry has been functioning as interim Prime Minister since then but there have been mounting calls for him to resign. Last month, when CARICOM leaders met for their biannual summit in Guyana, it was decided that Haiti would get fresh elections by August 31, 2025.

Henry is currently stranded in Puerto Rico after being prevented by armed gangs from returning home.

There were also discussions in Jamaica about the United Nations (UN)- backed multinational security force that is to be led by Kenya. This security force is meant to go into Haiti and support the Haitian National Police Force in restoring order.