Blinken’s Unexpected Move in Haiti: What’s Driving the Initiative?

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Haiti underscores the Biden administration’s commitment to address the country’s ongoing gang violence crisis, but challenges persist in securing lasting peace.

At a Glance

Blinken arrived in Haiti to reaffirm U.S. support for a multinational mission to combat gangs
400 Kenyan police have been deployed as part of a U.N.-backed mission
Concerns exist about the mission’s lack of funding and equipment
The U.S. is considering a U.N. peacekeeping operation to secure resources
Haiti has extended a state of emergency to the entire country

Blinken’s High-Stakes Visit to Haiti

In a rare diplomatic mission, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken touched down in Haiti, marking the highest-ranking U.S. official visit since 2015. The trip comes at a critical juncture as Haiti grapples with widespread gang violence and political instability that have plagued the Caribbean nation for years.

Blinken’s agenda includes meetings with Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille, members of the transitional presidential council, political party leaders, and heads of the multinational security mission and Haiti’s National Police. The primary focus is to bolster U.S.-backed initiatives aimed at restoring order and pushing for general elections, which have not been held since 2016.

Blinken arrives in Haiti to show US support for fighting gang violence https://t.co/9gsfshUXuY

— The Associated Press (@AP) September 6, 2024

Challenges in Restoring Order

The situation in Haiti remains dire, with gangs controlling approximately 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 has led to a power vacuum, exacerbating the gang violence. Recent attacks on police stations, the main international airport, and prisons have further destabilized the country, with over 4,000 inmates being released in a single incident.

“Our goal is to recognize the positive progress made toward improving security and encourage efforts to appoint the provisional electoral council so Haiti can move toward elections,” said Brian A. Nichols, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, ahead of the trip.

Despite some reduction in violence following the arrival of Kenyan police in late June, significant challenges remain. The U.S.-backed multinational security mission, led by Kenya, aims to deploy 2,500 personnel from at least six nations. However, concerns about inadequate funding and equipment persist, potentially hampering the mission’s effectiveness.

U.S. Strategy and Regional Implications

The Biden administration’s approach to Haiti reflects a delicate balance between addressing a humanitarian crisis and avoiding direct military intervention. The U.S. is playing a supporting role behind Kenya’s police deployment, with discussions underway about potentially transitioning to a U.N. peacekeeping operation to secure more resources for combating gang influence.

“We are seeing a dramatic increase in patrols and operations designed to restore security and sense of normalcy in Haiti,” Nichols stated, highlighting the positive impact of recent efforts.

Blinken’s visit also includes a stop in the neighboring Dominican Republic to meet with President Luis Abinader. Discussions will focus on economic ties, human rights, and regional security, particularly concerning Haiti. The Dominican Republic’s recent actions, including closing airspace with Haiti and constructing a border wall, underscore the regional tensions and the spillover effects of Haiti’s crisis.

As the international community watches closely, Blinken’s visit serves as a reminder of Haiti’s strategic importance and the ongoing challenges in stabilizing the nation. The success of U.S.-backed initiatives in Haiti could have far-reaching implications for regional security and migration patterns in the Caribbean and beyond.