Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Amid escalating chaos and gang violence in Haiti, the nation's Prime Minister Ariel Henry said on Monday night he will resign as soon as a transition council and a temporary leader are chosen. 

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Henry had assumed the role, unelected, in 2021 after the assassination of the country's last president, Jovenel Moïse. He was also the acting president since Moïse's death.

However, the latest announcement doesn't make it clear when it will happen. 

"The government that I am leading will resign immediately after the installation of (a transition) council," Henry said in a late night video address.

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"I'm asking all Haitians to remain calm and do everything they can for peace and stability to come back as fast as possible," he added. 

An interim prime minister to be named

Previously, Guyana's leader and current CARICOM President, Irfaan Ali confirmed the resignation, stating, "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." 

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Also read | 'Woe betide anyone': Haiti gang leader Barbecue threatens hotels 'hiding politicians' in his bloody revolution

This announcement came after the CARICOM meeting in the Jamaican capital of Kingston. The regional bloc of 25 countries, which works on economic integration, security and social development, held talks focused on establishing a transitional council to facilitate Haiti's first elections since 2016, Reuters news agency reported.

As per the report citing a US State Department official, Henry was involved in virtual discussions with CARICOM.

Also read | US military airlifts personnel from American embassy in violence-hit Haiti

Haiti turmoil: What is happening?

The Caribbean nation has been facing severe challenges, including attacks by gangs on government structures. The situation in Haiti has been increasingly unstable with widespread violence and insecurity. 

On March 3, Haiti declared a state of emergency after clashes disrupted communications and resulted in two massive prison breaks. All of this occurred after Haiti gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, also known as "Barbecue," declared a plan to unify and remove unelected Prime Minister Ariel Henry from power.

Also watch | Haiti PM stranded in Puerto Rico as he tried to return home amidst gang violence

No elections have been held in the country since 2016 and with the presidency vacant, protesters have demanded Henry's resignation per a political agreement requiring polls and his transfer of power to newly elected officials by February 7, 2022. 

However, last month, Henry delayed the scheduled elections, saying they could not be held until it was safe to do so. His decision served only to further enrage protesters who had for months demanded he stand down as Haiti slid further into poverty and rampant gang violence. 

(With inputs from agencies)