The State Department has provided details of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s upcoming visit to Haiti and the Dominican Republic, scheduled for September 5, 2024.
During the trip, Secretary Blinken is expected to meet with key leaders from both nations to discuss a range of critical issues, including security, democratic governance and regional cooperation.
During a virtual conference on Wednesday, Assistant Secretary for the Western Hemisphere Brian Nichols provided details of Antony Blinken’s visit to Haiti this Thursday, September 5.
Reaffirming US support in the face of current challenges
The first leg of Secretary of State Blinken’s visit will be to Port-au-Prince, where he will meet with Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille and the Presidential Transitional Council. The visit comes at a crucial time for Haiti, a country facing major political, security and humanitarian challenges. The main objective of the Secretary of State’s visit is to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to supporting the Haitian people in their quest for a peaceful and secure nation.
In recent months, Haiti has made significant progress towards stabilizing its political situation. The appointment of Prime Minister Conille by the Presidential Transitional Council and the designation of key ministers were seen as positive developments. On the ground, tangible signs of progress have been observed, such as the reopening of the airport, the resumption of commercial flights and increased economic activity in certain districts of Port-au-Prince, according to the US Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere, Brian Nichols, who nevertheless acknowledges that the situation in Haiti remains fragile.
The deployment of the UN-authorized, Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), in close collaboration with the Haitian National Police, has been a key factor in improving security. Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols highlighted the dramatic increase in patrols and operations to restore security and a sense of normalcy in Haiti, which will be further supported by the Secretary of State’s visit.
During his meetings in Haiti, Secretary Blinken will meet with the head of the MSS and the Haitian National Police to underscore the continued U.S. commitment to their success. Discussions will also focus on broader stabilization efforts, including development and humanitarian needs. The U.S. recognizes the progress made in improving security and will encourage continued efforts to appoint a provisional electoral council, an essential step in enabling Haiti to move forward with elections, according to Brian Nichols.
Addressing security and political challenges
One of the main issues to be addressed during Secretary of State Blinken’s visit is the current security situation in Haiti. The country is plagued by gang violence and instability, which has severely hampered efforts to establish a peaceful and democratic society. The MSS, with the support of the Haitian National Police, has been instrumental in joint operations in troubled neighborhoods such as Bel Air and Delmas, targeting gangs and their leaders.
Despite these efforts, the challenges remain immense. Assistant Secretary Nichols acknowledged the concerns expressed by Prime Minister Conille, who described the situation as “the worst I’ve seen in my lifetime”. Delays in manning and funding the MSS have been a major obstacle, with only 400 Kenyan troops deployed out of the planned 2,500. What’s more, much of the $360 million pledged for the MSS has yet to be fully disbursed, raising concerns about the mission’s viability.
In an attempt to allay some of these concerns, Assistant Secretary Nichols explained that the US has already provided substantial support, including over $200 million through the Department of Defense for the construction and operation of the MSS base, and over $50 million in equipment and operational support through the Department of State. However, the slow deployment of additional forces and unfulfilled promises from other nations underscore the need for greater international support.
Promoting democratic governance and fighting corruption
Another key aspect of Secretary of State Blinken’s visit will be the discussion of Haiti’s return to democracy. The urgent need to organize elections, which have been delayed for years, will be at the center of discussions. The Secretary of State’s visit is intended to encourage Haiti’s political leaders to take the necessary steps to organize elections, which are essential if the Haitian people are to determine their own future, according to Brian Nichols.
Corruption remains a major obstacle to progress in Haiti. Recently, corruption charges were brought against several members of the Transitional Presidential Council for illicit enrichment and abuse of power. Assistant Secretary Nichols stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, noting that the Haitian authorities must thoroughly investigate these allegations and take the necessary action against those responsible. The United States will continue to press for good governance and the rule of law in Haiti, as these elements are essential to the success of any stabilization effort.
Dominican Republic: Strengthening a strategic partnership
Following his visit to Haiti, Secretary of State Blinken will travel to the Dominican Republic to meet with President Luis Abinader. Relations between the United States and the Dominican Republic are characterized by strong economic, political and security ties, and this visit will serve to reaffirm the partnership between the two nations.
During their meeting, Secretary of State Blinken and President Abinader will discuss three main priorities: strengthening economic ties, promoting shared values such as democracy and human rights, and promoting regional security, particularly with regard to Haiti.