The trip aims to show U.S. support for the multinational mission aiding the Haitian National Police and to encourage the interim government and the Transitional Presidential Council to make progress toward free and fair elections after years of political and institutional instability.
Thomas-Greenfield will also promote measures to address Haiti’s humanitarian crisis, including condemning human rights abuses and food insecurity exacerbated by gang violence.
During the trip, the ambassador plans to make two significant announcements, though details are being withheld for security reasons.
So far, approximately 400 police officers from the multinational support mission, primarily from Kenya, have arrived in Haiti, although they have not yet begun joint operations. Another contingent from Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries is expected soon.
In October 2023, the UN Security Council authorized a mission to support the Haitian National Police, responding to a request made a year earlier by Haitian authorities to combat gang violence.
Gang violence claimed 8,000 lives in Haiti last year, with criminal organizations now controlling 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and other areas, according to UN figures.
On Wednesday, Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille declared a state of emergency in 14 municipalities under gang influence and asked the Haitian National Police, with support from Kenyan forces, to deploy according to a pre-established plan to regain control.
Source: EFE
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