Haitian PM Ariel Henry resigns as presidential transitional council installed

Ariel Henry has resigned as the prime minister of Haiti, paving the way for a new government of the Caribbean country as the presidential transitional council (CPT), charged with restoring order in the country, was formally installed on Thursday.

Henry promised last month to formally resign from the position as soon as the CPT was formed. He took office in 2021 after the assassination of then-President Jovenel Moise.

In a letter dated April 24 and posted on social media on Thursday, Henry formalized his resignation from office.

"I thank all those who have had the courage to face these challenges with me," he said, acknowledging "the losses and suffering" of the Haitian people in recent years, marked by violence. "I thank the Haitian people for the opportunity to serve our country with integrity, wisdom and honor. Haiti will be reborn," Henry added.

The post will be temporarily held by Michel Patrick Boisvert, minister of economy and finance.

Since February 29, Haitian armed groups have launched a wave of attacks in the capital Port-au-Prince, calling for the resignation of Ariel Henry.  

The appointment of the nine members of the CPT comes with hopes of restoring constitutional order in Haiti, which is mired in a serious political and social crisis caused by gang violence.

The CPT's mandate runs until February 2026, by when there are slated to be elections, and cannot be renewed. No date has been set for its naming of a new prime minister or council president.

As the swearing-in ceremony of the CPT unfolded on Thursday, bursts of automatic gunfire from gang members echoed through central Port-au-Prince and Delmas in the suburbs, a sign of just how much work lies ahead for the new authorities.

On Thursday night, the Haitian government announced the extension of a curfew in the Ouest Department, where the capital Port-au-Prince is located, until May 1. 

(With input from agencies)