Dennis Hankins, the new US ambassador to Haiti

Washington.- The United States Senate has confirmed Denis Hankins as the new US ambassador to Haiti, as reported by the Haitian media outlet “Le Nouvelliste.”

The White House emphasized the urgency for the new ambassador to assume his responsibilities in Haiti.

Denis Hankins, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, previously served as ambassador to the Republic of Guinea in October 2015 and consul general at the United States Consulate General in Sao Paulo, Brazil. His extensive diplomatic career includes roles such as Deputy Chief of Mission in Khartoum, Sudan, and Nouakchott, Mauritania. He has also served in various capacities in Saudi Arabia, Mozambique, Portugal, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and other countries.

Ariel Henry, the former Prime Minister of Haiti, resigned amidst ongoing pressure and protests amid the country’s political and humanitarian crisis. Following his resignation, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) announced plans to establish a Transitional Presidential Council, which will later appoint an interim prime minister.

Meanwhile, in response to the crisis, the United Nations has established an air bridge between Haiti and the Dominican Republic to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid.

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The situation in Haiti remains tense, with a recent fire breaking out in the National Penitentiary of Port-au-Prince, where the majority of inmates had escaped earlier due to attacks by Haitian gangs.