On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for a multinational force to restore order in Haiti. Amid mounting concerns over the worsening security situation in the country, UN officials have also called for international intervention. Blinken spoke about the situation during his visit to Trinidad and Tobago, where a conference by the Caribbean trade bloc Caribbean Community (Caricom) was taking place.
Caribbean leaders, including Caricom Chairman and Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, have been discussing the crisis in Haiti and have called on the United States for assistance. Skerrit acknowledged the crucial role the US needs to play in addressing the situation. Blinken’s remarks came a day before a scheduled UN Security Council meeting to discuss Haiti, as pressure mounts for the deployment of a foreign armed force, requested by Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry in October.
So far, the UN Security Council has only approved sanctions on gang members and individuals believed to support the gangs that now control approximately 80% of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince. The city has experienced a surge in killings, rapes, and kidnappings. Haiti’s National Police, with just 13,000 active-duty officers for a population of over 11 million, is underfunded and lacks the resources to combat the increasing violence.
Blinken expressed his support for a multinational force to restore security, stating that it is an area of intense focus for the US. He also pledged to continue urging financial institutions to defer debt payments in the event of natural disasters. The Caribbean region has been battered by increasingly powerful storms attributed to climate change. In addition, Blinken promised nearly $5.5 million to help small farmers improve productivity and access technology.
During his visit, Blinken was accompanied by US Representative Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat from New York. Jeffries highlighted the mutual security concerns and common economic interests of the US and Caribbean nations. He emphasized the importance of Caricom and acknowledged the progress made in the past 50 years, while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done.
The situation in Haiti remains a pressing concern, with the international community focusing on restoring order and providing assistance to address the security crisis. As discussions continue, it is crucial for various perspectives and opinions to be considered in order to ensure a comprehensive and balanced approach to resolving the challenges facing Haiti.
