In an article that appeared earlier this morning on the BBC, Prime Minister Ariel Henry has decided to resign, at the urging of regional leaders, following weeks of mounting pressure and increasing violence across the nation. This comes after the gangs have taken over the capital and main government establishments, especially the airport in an attempt to prevent the PM from returning to the country after his sojourn in Kenya. PM Henry went to Kenya to sign the accord that would allow the Kenyan forces to lead the multinational force to contain gang violence in the country but has since been stranded in Puerto Rico as heavily armed gangs have taken over the airport to prevent him from coming back into the country. In a video address announcing his resignation, PM Henry said that the government that he’s been leading will resign immediately a transitional government is put in place. He thanked the people for allowing him the opportunity to serve his country and urged the people to be calm and do everything they can for peace and stability to come back as fast as possible. Heavily armed gangs have tightened their grip on the streets of the capital Port-au-Prince, and attacked the main prison to help thousands of inmates escape. The former member of the electoral commission who broke the news to the BBC added that the situation currently in the country is very precarious, the police force is weak, and more than 40 police stations have been destroyed. The army is very limited and not equipped, and with the gang members controlling everything almost, very soon the people will run out of food, medication, and medical support. 

It’s been speculated that the PM’s resignation has been expected for several days. The Caricom group of Caribbean nations had made its position clear that he was seen as an impediment to Haiti’s stability and that he would have to stand down so the move to a transitional council could begin. The White House had initially wanted to see him return to Haiti to oversee the transitional process, but the ferocity of fighting in the country changed minds in Washington in recent days. Without the support of either the US state department or his neighbors, it was clear that PM Henry had no alternative but to resign. A senior US official said PM Henry had first made the decision to step down on Friday, but he had waited for an official announcement so talks could take place. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken committed a further US$100m to the 1,000-strong UN-backed security force Kenya is expected to lead in Haiti. The proposed US contribution to the security force now stands at US$300m following Mr Blinken’s announcement, with a further $33m allocated for humanitarian aid. 

Meanwhile, at the request of the US Department of State, the American army carried out an operation with the aim of strengthening the security of the US Embassy in the capital. The operation seeks to ensure the security of US personnel by evacuating most of their non-essential personnel out of the country. The spokesperson for the diplomatic division of the European Union, Peter Stano, announced that staff had been evacuated and that essential personnel are still working but outside of the country.

Several rounds of negotiation on Monday, March 11, 2024, under the auspices of Caricom heads of government, political and civil society leaders have agreed on the establishment of a seven-member Presidential Council to lead the transition and carry out elections. Once the commission is put in place, they will proceed to nominate a Prime Minister who will lead the transition. The transitional council will be composed of these political formations: Collectif du 30 janvier, l’Accord Montana, Fanmi Lavalas, these other formations such as EDE, RED and Compromis historique, the December 21 Accord, which is currently in government, Moïse Jean-Charles’ Pitit Desalin party, and a representative from the business class. The religious sector and civil society organizations are invited to submit one representative each to the Presidential Council in an advisory capacity or as an observer.

In other news, the President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, wrote on X (formerly Tweeter) proposed to ‘resolve’ the problem in the country, if there’s a UN Security resolution and consent from the host nation. The Salvadorean leader is known for his unorthodox and iron fist against gangs. The President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, who has achieved a collapse in crime in the country with his iron fist against gangs, proposed on Sunday to “resolve” the security crisis in Haiti, where violence linked to criminal gangs is not stop increasing. The young Salvadoran head of state, 42, is acclaimed for his fight against crime even beyond the country’s borders, even if human rights organizations regularly denounce massive arbitrary detentions. Some 75,000 people have been imprisoned in the country under the state of emergency in force since March 2022. Around 7,000 have since been exonerated.

Finally, the national police, PNH, held a graduation ceremony this Monday, March 11, 2024, for police officers from the 33rd promotion. There was a total of 786 police officers; 674 of which are men and 112 women. The event was held on the premises of the Police Academy. On videos shared on social networks Monday afternoon, young police officers were seen swearing to protect and serve, in an almost empty room. A stripped-down ceremonial that contrasts with tradition. Though police graduation ceremonies always take place with a bang, on the main courtyard of the academy, with parades, speeches, etc. this year was more restrained because the Police Academy, for some time, has been regularly the target of the “kraze baryè” gang led by Vitelhomme Innocent, who swore to take control of the place.