Haiti’s Prime Minister Resigns

Prime Minister Joseph Jouthe, announced on Wednesday his resignation amid a growing wave of crime, including kidnappings for ransom, and a longstanding political crisis.

Jouthe announced his decision to step down as prime minister via Twitter without offering any details as to why he is resigning.

“It has been an honor to serve my country as prime minister. I thank the members of my government, the technical and financial partners for their collaboration,” Jouthe wrote.

Shortly after the announcement, President Jovenel Moïse appointed Claude Joseph as interim prime minister and said the government is mobilizing resources to tackle criminality.

The deteriorating security situation in Haiti has raised concerns internationally.

This week, the Organization of American States (OAS) urged the government to protect the population and combat the growing violence.