The embattled prime minister of Haiti, the Caribbean country whose capital has been overwhelmed by violent gangs, said Tuesday that he would resign.
In a short speech posted to Facebook, Ariel Henry said his government would dissolve once a transitional council had been set up, following a week of “systematic looting and destruction of public buildings and private buildings.”
“It hurts us. And it has revolted us,” Henry said.
The prime minister appealed for calm: “Haiti needs peace. Haiti needs stability. Haiti needs sustainable development. Haiti needs to rebuild democratic institutions.”
The timing of the interim government remains unclear.
The resignation announcement follows weeks of spiraling violence, including prison breaks and an attack on the country’s main airport. It came the same day as leaders of Caribbean nations held an emergency meeting in Kingston, Jamaica, to discuss the worsening crisis. Notably, Henry did not attend.
A senior administration official said Monday night that the talks, involving Secretary of State Antony Blinken with 40 representatives from Haiti as well as regional heads of state, had lasted seven hours.
It was agreed that the transitional council will include seven members, with one representing the private sector, the official said.
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Earlier, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, president of