Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry Found in Puerto Rico Amidst Escalating Violence and Gang Control
The whereabouts of Haiti’s Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, have been a subject of speculation as the country faces escalating violence and gang control. Henry assumed power following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 but has been notably absent during the recent outbreak of violence. As armed groups seize power and engage in clashes with the police, the question of Henry’s location has been on the minds of all Haitians.
The prime minister’s silence and his travels across different continents without any announced date of return have only fueled speculation about his intentions and ability to address the crisis. Jake Johnston, a research associate at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, describes Henry’s absence as the “million-dollar question” that has stoked various speculations.
However, on Tuesday afternoon, officials confirmed that Henry had landed in Puerto Rico. He arrived in San Juan on a chartered flight from New Jersey, which initially appeared to be heading towards the Dominican Republic but diverted to Puerto Rico mid-flight. This revelation came shortly after the Dominican government announced the immediate suspension of all air traffic with Haiti.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Chérizier, a former elite police officer who leads a federation of gangs responsible for the recent attacks, reiterated his goal of preventing Henry’s return and forcing his resignation. Chérizier, known as Barbecue, sees himself as a Robin Hood figure fighting against Ariel Henry. Surrounded by armed men in ski masks, he declared their determination to fight against Henry with their last drop of blood.
The violence in Haiti has reached a critical point, with gangs opening fire on police outside the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince. The airport was closed during the attack, and employees and workers fled as bullets whizzed through the air. Schools, banks, and public transport have also come to a standstill, highlighting the control that gangs currently exert over the country.
While Haiti’s problems extend beyond any quick fix, Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s popularity has plummeted due to his inability to govern effectively. Calls for him to step aside have grown louder, even among the gangs who see an opportunity to advance their own criminal interests. Henry’s absence during the recent violence and his failure to bring political actors together for general elections have further eroded his support.
The recent surge in violence has put pressure on foreign powers, including the United States, to deploy a security force to prevent further bloodshed. The Biden administration has pledged funding and logistical support for a multinational force but has refused to commit U.S. troops. However, Dan Foote, the Biden envoy who opposed American military intervention in Haiti, now believes that it is an absolute necessity.
The United Nations has endorsed a multinational security force involving mostly Kenyan police officers. However, there is no discussion of a formal U.N. peacekeeping mission at this time. The focus remains on stabilizing the country through elections once security is restored. However, for an intervention to succeed, the U.S. will have to abandon its support for Prime Minister Ariel Henry, as the Haitian people do not accept him as a legitimate leader.
Haiti’s current state of violence and gang control has plunged the country into chaos, with the government absent and the population desperate for stability. The international community faces the challenge of providing assistance while navigating the complex political landscape of Haiti. As Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s whereabouts become known, the hope is that a solution can be found to restore order and pave the way for a brighter future for the Haitian people.