U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a visit to Haiti to show support for a multinational effort to combat gangs in the country and to advocate for long-awaited general elections.
Around 400 Kenyan police officers have been sent to Haiti as part of a United Nations-supported mission to address gang violence in the capital and other regions, but concerns have arisen over insufficient funding and resources for the mission.
U.S. Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols mentioned that the U.S. government is contemplating a U.N. peacekeeping operation as a means to secure the necessary funds and equipment to combat the gangs, which currently control 80% of Haiti’s capital.
Blinken’s visit followed the expansion of a state of emergency across the entire country by Haiti’s government, initially imposed in the capital and nearby areas in an effort to curb the escalating violence.
During his trip, Blinken is set to meet with Haiti’s Prime Minister Garry Conille, a transitional presidential council consisting of nine members, and various political party leaders. Additionally, he will hold discussions with the leader of the multinational mission and the chief of Haiti’s National Police.
Nichols stated that the aim of the visit is to acknowledge the progress made in enhancing security and to encourage the formation of a provisional electoral council to pave the way for elections in Haiti, which has not held any since 2016 due to factors like gang violence and political unrest.
Following the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, gang violence has surged in Haiti, with coordinated attacks on police stations, the main airport, and prisons releasing thousands of inmates.
Despite some reduction in violence after the arrival of the first Kenyan police contingent in June, gangs are still carrying out attacks in communities surrounding Port-au-Prince.
After his meetings in Haiti, Blinken is planned to fly to the Dominican Republic, where discussions will revolve around strengthening economic ties, promoting human rights, labor rights, and enhancing regional security.
Dominican President Luis Abinader has faced criticism for his treatment of Haitian migrants and for tightening border security measures between the two nations.
