Haiti PM Ariel Henry resigns as transitional council takes over amid gang violence

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry quit from his post on Thursday (Apr 25) following which a transitional council came to power in a bid to bring back stability to the country wracked by gang violence.

Henry's former finance minister, Michel Patrick Boisvert, will now take over as the interim prime minister.

"Today is an important day in the life of our dear republic, this day in effect opens a view to a solution... to the multidimensional crises the country faces," Boisvert said after the formal swearing-in of the nine-person transitional council on Thursday morning.

Henry made an official announcement in March declaring that he would step down once the council was in place.

He left Haiti in the month of February in order to seek international help for police in their fight with armed gangs.

However, he was left stranded outside the country as the gangs threatened to take over the capital.

The transitional government's mandate runs until February 2026.

White House welcomes announcement

The White House on Thursday (Apr 25) welcomed the announcement stating that the transitional council taking over exhibited a significant step towards fair polls.

Diego Da Rin, an analyst with the International Crisis Group said that even with the recent development, the country would have to go a long way to ensure free elections as there was a rift within the council, with different factions competing for power.

"Despite the installation, there is still a long and rocky road ahead for the council to be able to forge a government," Da Rin said.

"Crucially, the council now needs to vote for one of the nine members to head the body. Then, in time, it must appoint a new non-interim prime minister, a new cabinet, a truth and reconciliation commission and a provisional electoral commission."

(With inputs from agencies)