By Daphne Psaledakis and Kylie Madry
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit Haiti on Thursday to address the escalating gang violence in the country. Washington is seeking to strengthen the U.N.-backed security mission in Haiti, which has been grappling with widespread violence.
Brian Nichols, U.S. assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs, announced that Blinken will meet with Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille and the transition council before traveling to the Dominican Republic.
Nichols emphasized the need for more financial contributions from the international community to support the existing security force in Haiti, which is currently led by Kenya. The United States and Canada have been the largest contributors to the mission.
Gang violence in Haiti has displaced over half a million people and left nearly 5 million facing acute hunger. The gangs, which have taken control of most of the capital, have been accused of carrying out heinous crimes, including indiscriminate killings and gang rape.
While in Haiti, Blinken will also discuss the importance of holding elections and advancing democracy in the country. The visit comes at a crucial moment for Haiti, which has been without a president since the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise in July 2021.
Additionally, Blinken will meet with President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic to discuss strengthening economic ties and increasing security in the region, with a particular focus on Haiti.
This visit underscores the urgent need for international support to address the security challenges facing Haiti and to ensure the safety and well-being of its people.