AGS NEWS – Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, is facing intensified turmoil as criminal gangs tighten their grip, reportedly controlling up to 90% of the city.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s resignation marks a significant development in the country’s already tumultuous political landscape.

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The resignation comes in the aftermath of a summit held in Jamaica, where Caribbean nations, UN representatives, and delegates from countries like France and the United States convened to address Haiti’s pressing issues.

However, Henry found himself stranded in Puerto Rico, unable to return to Port-au-Prince due to the escalating crisis. Despite this, he engaged remotely with Caricom members during the summit.

Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, Haiti’s political landscape has been marred by instability, compounded by the absence of elections since 2016.

Henry, who was appointed by Moïse, was expected to step down in early February, deepening the leadership vacuum.

Efforts to address the crisis, such as Henry’s agreement to deploy Kenyan police officers to Haiti, have so far failed to quell the unrest.

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Diplomatic discussions held in Kingston aimed to formalize a proposal urging Henry to transfer power to a transitional council representing Haitian civil society.