Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry Lands in Puerto Rico after Mysterious Absence
Haiti’s prime minister arrived in Puerto Rico on Tuesday, addressing the speculation surrounding his whereabouts amid the escalating violence in the country. Ariel Henry, who took office after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, had been conspicuously absent during the recent outbreak of violence in Haiti.
As armed groups took advantage of the power vacuum, engaging in gun battles with police at the international airport and orchestrating mass prison escapes, Henry remained out of sight. His silence fueled speculation as he traveled across continents without any plans of returning to Haiti.
However, the mystery was partially solved when officials confirmed Henry’s arrival in Puerto Rico. He landed in San Juan late in the afternoon on a chartered flight that changed course mid-flight from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico. The Dominican government promptly suspended all air traffic with Haiti following Henry’s departure.
Meanwhile, former elite police officer Jimmy Chérizier, known as Barbecue, continued to threaten Henry’s return and demanded his resignation. Chérizier leads a federation of gangs responsible for recent attacks on government institutions and infrastructure in Haiti.
As the country grapples with escalating violence and instability, calls for international intervention to restore security have grown louder. The United States, a key ally of Haiti, has vowed support for a multinational security force but has ruled out the deployment of U.S. troops.
Despite Henry’s efforts to position himself as a peacemaker and transitional figure, his popularity has plummeted due to economic hardships, soaring crime rates, and political deadlock. The recent surge in violence has further eroded his support among the Haitian population.
As Haiti teeters on the brink of chaos, the urgency for a stable security force and a political resolution has become paramount. The international community faces mounting pressure to intervene and prevent further bloodshed in the troubled Caribbean nation.
