Haiti PM Henry resigns as transitional council takes power

Haiti PM Henry resigns as transitional council takes power

Ariel Henry on Thursday resigned as prime minister of Haiti, leaving the way clear for a new government to be formed in the Caribbean country, which has been wracked by gang violence.

Henry presented his resignation in a letter signed in Los Angeles, dated April 24, and released Thursday by his office.

A council tasked with choosing Haiti’s new prime minister and cabinet was sworn in Thursday (Apr. 25).

The swearing in ceremony of the transitional council did not take place at the National Palace in the capital but at the outgoing prime minister’s office for fear of gangs.

The nine-member council, of which seven have voting powers, is also expected to help set the agenda of a new cabinet. It will also appoint a provisional electoral commission, a requirement before elections can take place, and establish a national security council.

The international community has urged the council to prioritize finding a solution to Haiti’s widespread insecurity. Even before the attacks began, gangs already controlled 80% of Port-au-Prince. The number of people killed in early 2024 was up by more than 50% compared with the same period last year, according to a recent U.N. report.