Haiti’s unelected Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, has submitted his resignation amid escalating violence and looting across the country. The 74-year-old leader, who took office following the assassination of the previous president in 2021, announced his decision after an emergency meeting of regional nations, where Caribbean states called for a swift transition of power.
Henry, who has been leading Haiti without being elected, appealed for calm in a video address, stating that his government would resign immediately upon the installation of a transitional council.
However, Henry is currently stranded in Puerto Rico due to security threats from armed gangs, leaving the country in a state of chaos.
The gangs, led by Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, intensified violence and unrest in Henry’s absence, demanding his resignation and warning of civil war if he did not step down.
The situation in Haiti has deteriorated significantly, with widespread violence, looting, and concerns about food shortages. Regional leaders, including those from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), convened an emergency summit to discuss a political transition framework. Meanwhile, the United States has urged for an expedited transition amidst the ongoing turmoil.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that the United States Department of Defense is ramping up its financial aid to the Haitian population. The total contribution will now reach $300 million, with an extra $33 million designated to bolster food security efforts.
Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francis Fonseca, said, “Belize is closely monitoring the escalating political and security turmoil in Haiti. Fully involved in urgent CARICOM talks, Belize is actively exploring strategies to aid the initiation of a transition towards reinstating political stability and security.”
