The Biden administration’s chief diplomat to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, arrived in crisis-stricken Haiti on Monday. Her visit aims to address the nation’s escalating instability and the slow progress toward establishing an elected president and parliament by February 2026. Thomas-Greenfield’s visit follows the arrival of the latest contingent of a U.S.-backed international mission from Kenya, nearly three years after she and other U.S. officials were forced to leave the funeral of assassinated President Jovenel Moïse due to gunfire outside the venue.
Yesterday, 22nd July 2024, US ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield visited #Haiti. She reiterated support for the MSS as well as announcing a USD 60million for humanitarian support. She further pledged equipment support to the MSS. #Douglas Kanja #Haitian. pic.twitter.com/vpdzHmpH5p
— Haiti MSS (@HaitiMSS) July 23, 2024
Since then, Haiti’s security situation has deteriorated significantly. The nation faces dire humanitarian and economic challenges, compounded by ongoing political uncertainty and internal conflicts. Criminal gangs, which initiated an armed insurgency in late February, have freed over 4,000 inmates, attacked police stations, shut down the main airport and seaport for months, and created severe shortages of medicines and medical care by looting and burning pharmacies and hospitals.
In March, seeking a solution to the chaos, the Biden administration withdrew its support for Prime Minister Ariel Henry and called for his resignation. The administration then brokered a deal with the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Haiti’s leaders to establish a presidential council tasked with preparing for the arrival of the Kenyan police force and finding Henry’s replacement. The council appointed former Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille, although his relationship with the council members has been strained, leading to tensions over governance and recent government appointments.
A recent altercation between Conille and Claude Joseph, a former foreign minister and prime minister, highlighted the discord. The confrontation occurred during a dinner hosted by a presidential council member and escalated into a profanity-laced argument over security and governance issues. Following the incident, Conille was seen with heightened security.
Wheels down in Haiti. We’re here to reaffirm our steadfast support for Haiti’s democratic transition and the safety and security of all Haitians. pic.twitter.com/7On0SX60YI
— Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield (@USAmbUN) July 22, 2024
Thomas-Greenfield’s visit, alongside Brian A. Nichols, the assistant secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, involves meetings with the presidential council and Conille. The aim is to encourage progress towards a democratic transition, including the organization of free and fair elections. However, the process of forming a nine-member Provisional Electoral Council has already faced criticism and allegations of corruption.
During her visit, Thomas-Greenfield will also emphasize the grave human rights situation in Haiti. Gang violence has displaced over 578,000 Haitians, and hunger affects nearly five million people, almost half of the country’s population, according to a U.N. analysis. Last year, Thomas-Greenfield, along with Ecuador’s U.N. representative, successfully pushed for the U.N. Security Council to authorize a Kenya-led force to help stabilize Haiti. The first contingent of 200 Kenyan police officers arrived last month, with Kenya promising to deploy a total of 1,000 officers. So far, about 400 are in the country, with additional personnel from Jamaica expected soon.
The Kenyan police, although not yet formally conducting joint operations with Haitian forces, are working together to establish command and control structures. Last week, Conille called on Haitian police, the country’s small armed forces, and the Kenyans to target gang-controlled areas. On Sunday, Haitian police thwarted an attack by armed gangs attempting to burn a police station in Ganthier, east of Port-au-Prince. However, the statement from Haitian police did not mention any involvement of the Kenyan forces.
I was pleased to meet with Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (TPC).
Our commitment to Haiti includes supporting governance reforms, reducing crime, and protecting human rights.
We appreciate the TPC’s ongoing efforts towards transparency and democratic elections. pic.twitter.com/rEDR15CQ5e
— Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield (@USAmbUN) July 22, 2024
Thomas-Greenfield also plans to meet with the head of the U.N. political office in Haiti and members of Haiti’s civil society to discuss ongoing violence and the unclear impact of the Kenyan-led mission on dismantling gangs. Her visit underscores the international effort to bring stability to Haiti amidst its profound crises.
Major Points:
- Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the Biden administration’s top diplomat to the U.N., visited Haiti to address the nation’s escalating instability and slow political progress.
- Haiti’s security situation has worsened significantly, with criminal gangs freeing over 4,000 inmates, attacking police stations, and causing severe shortages of medicines and medical care.
- The Biden administration withdrew support for Prime Minister Ariel Henry and helped establish a presidential council to prepare for the Kenyan police force’s arrival and find Henry’s replacement.
- Tensions within the presidential council, including a heated altercation between Garry Conille and Claude Joseph, have highlighted governance issues and strained relationships.
- Thomas-Greenfield’s visit aims to encourage democratic progress and address the severe human rights crisis, with gang violence displacing over 578,000 people and nearly half of the population struggling with hunger.
Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
