Ariel Henry's resignation as prime minister comes amid months of gang violence in Haiti and the swearing-in of a new transitional council. He had previously announced his intention to resign in March.

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry submitted his resignation on Thursday, initiating the process of establishing a new government. This decision comes amid an extended period of gang violence that has impacted various parts of the country, including areas of the capital, Port-au-Prince.

Simultaneously, a newly established transitional council was sworn in to facilitate the formation of an interim government, laying the groundwork for upcoming elections—the first since 2016. Finance Minister Patrick Boisvert has been appointed to serve as interim prime minister, chosen by the remaining members of Henry's cabinet.

The timeline for the transitional council to select its own interim prime minister remains uncertain at this time.

In a letter posted on social media on Thursday, Henry stated that his government had "served the nation in difficult times."

He expressed sympathy for the losses and suffering experienced by Haitians during this period.

In another statement published on the same day, Henry mentioned that he chose to resign for "personal reasons."

The transition process in Haiti's outgoing government was formalized two weeks ago, following Henry's announcement of his planned resignation a month prior.

Gangs initiated coordinated attacks starting on February 29 in Haiti's capital and nearby areas. They targeted the main international airport, which has been closed since early March, and raided Haiti's two largest prisons, freeing over 4,000 individuals.

These assaults coincided with Henry's official visit to Kenya, where he sought support for an international policing mission in Haiti. He remains unable to return to the Caribbean nation.

"Port-au-Prince is now effectively isolated due to blockades on air, sea, and land routes," stated UNICEF director Catherine Russell.

According to data from the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), more than 2,500 people were killed or injured in the violence between January and March, marking a 53% increase compared to the last three months of 2023.