Haiti PM Ariel Henry resigns

MEXICO CITY - Ariel Henry has resigned as the prime minister of Haiti, paving the way for a new government of the Caribbean country, local media reported on Thursday.

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

Haiti's presidential transitional council (CPT), charged with restoring order in the country, was also formally installed Thursday.

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.

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

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

He thanked all the members of the government, the collaborators, the public administration, the security forces and all those who accompanied him during his mandate.

"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 CPT will aim to steer the country toward new elections in 2026 and thus achieve political stability.