A Look at Haiti’s Last 5 Leaders Following Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s Resignation Announcement in Kingston

The political landscape of Haiti has been more tumultuous in recent times, and the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry now adds another layer of uncertainty to the Caribbean nation’s future. Henry’s resignation comes in the wake of a “high-level” meeting in Jamaica, where the president of Guyana announced his departure amidst reports of him being stranded in Puerto Rico.

Haiti’s political structure has undergone changes over the years, and its leaders have included both presidents and prime ministers. These are the last five individuals who held significant leadership positions in Haiti:

Haiti’s Recent Leaders

1. Jovenel Moïse: He served as the President of Haiti from February 7, 2017, until his assassination on July 7, 2021.
2. Ariel Henry: Henry assumed the role of Prime Minister of Haiti on July 20, 2021, following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. His tenure was marked by political turmoil, and he resigned amidst challenges in March 2024.
3. Joseph Jouthe: Jouthe served as Prime Minister of Haiti from March 4, 2020, until his resignation on April 14, 2021.
4. Jean Michel Lapin: Lapin was appointed as Prime Minister on March 21, 2019, and served until his resignation on March 2, 2020.
5. Jean-Henry Céant: Céant served as Prime Minister from September 17, 2018, until his dismissal by a vote of no confidence in March 2019.

Based on recent history, not a lot of individuals will be upbeat about taking over the leadership of the nation, with most of its leaders in recent times resigning before a transition of power.

More on Henry’s Resignation

The news of Henry’s resignation reverberated across international borders, underlining the deep-seated challenges facing Haiti’s governance. Henry made an official statement on the matter. The former leader was recently requested to resign by many Haitians who threatened to start a civil war if he remained in power.

The timing of Henry’s resignation, coinciding with the summit in Kingston, Jamaica, underscores the gravity of the situation. His absence from the meeting speaks volumes about the internal strife gripping Haiti and its implications for regional stability. As per reports, no high-level Haitian was at the summit.

Henry’s time as leader of Haiti

Ariel Henry’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by various attempts to stabilize the country, including seeking external support. His recent visit to Kanye to garner police assistance underscores the desperate measures taken to address Haiti’s security challenges. However, his efforts proved futile, highlighting the complexities inherent in resolving Haiti’s deep-rooted issues.

On the flip side, with Henry at the head, there have been repeatedly postponed elections, begging the question of the possibility of democracy during his stint. He has also been bashed for his close ties to the U.S. which many Haitians believe has played a part in the destabilization of the French-speaking nation in recent times.

Haiti’s Future

In the vacuum left by Henry’s resignation, attention turns to the power dynamics within Haiti and the Caribbean at large. Former police officer turned gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, known by his alias ‘Barbecue,’ emerges as a significant figure in Haiti’s political landscape. Chérizier’s influence underscores the pivotal role of security forces and gangs in shaping Haiti’s future trajectory.

The events surrounding Henry’s resignation serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of Haiti’s democracy and the imperative of fostering inclusive and transparent governance.

As per the statement from Guyana’s leader, members of the resign are looking to spearhead a peaceful “transition of power” within the country with plans for an election in the near future. He also pointed out that an “interim prime minister” will be named soon.

Learn more from the report below: