In a bid to quell the ongoing turmoil gripping Haiti, a transitional council assumed control yesterday, amidst widespread gang violence and the absence of elected officials exacerbating political tensions.

The formal installation of the nine-member Council at the Palais National. Michel Patrick Boisvert, the former finance minister, has been appointed as interim prime minister of the country.

At a press conference on Thursday, he said Haiti finds itself at a crossroads in search of suitable solutions to the crisis. “This day opens the prospect of a solution whose fundamental objective, it must be remembered, is to address the multidimensional crisis the country has been experiencing with a view to experiencing a definitive outcome.”

A statement from CARICOM said “This is an opportunity to craft a new beginning which will give all Haitians renewed hope for a return to constitutional government, stability and sustained development.”

The transition comes on the heels of Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s resignation, announced via a letter dated April 24, which circulated on social media platforms. Haiti’s outgoing government had initiated the transition process weeks prior, following Henry’s commitment to step down upon the council’s formation.

Gang violence in the country escalated earlier this year, with reports indicating that more than 2,500 people have been killed or injured so far.