Blinken Participates in Urgent Meeting with Caribbean Leaders Amid Escalating Violence in Haiti
An urgent meeting was held between United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Caribbean leaders to discuss the escalating violence in Haiti. The small island state declared a state of emergency on March 3 as gang violence reached alarming levels. This crisis has led to calls for the resignation of Haiti’s prime minister, Ariel Henry. The meeting aimed to expedite a political transition in Haiti and address the security crisis through the deployment of a Multinational Security Support Mission.
Haiti has been plagued by a surge in violent crimes, including home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and murders since 2021. The police force is overwhelmed, leaving thousands of people dead and many more homeless and fleeing the country. Essential supplies such as food are scarce. The situation has reached a critical point, prompting Secretary Blinken and Caribbean leaders to come together and find solutions.
The high-level meeting discussed the creation of a broad-based, independent presidential college to facilitate a political transition in Haiti. This transition is seen as crucial in curbing the escalating violence and unrest within the country. Additionally, the meeting addressed the urgent need for a Multinational Security Support Mission to address the ongoing security crisis. Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of collaboration to stop the violence that has engulfed Haiti.
A key figure behind the increase in violence is Jimmy “Barbeque” Cherizier, a leader of an alliance of armed groups. Cherizier aims to overthrow Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who assumed power in 2021 after his predecessor was assassinated. Prime Minister Henry has faced criticism for postponing parliamentary and presidential elections, which were last held almost a decade ago. Calls for his resignation have grown louder amidst the unrest.
Haiti has experienced multiple prison breaks in the past month, leading to the release of thousands of prisoners. Gangs have also attempted to take control of the country’s main international airport and occupied the nation’s top soccer stadium. The situation has prompted the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica to raise the travel advisory for Haiti to Level 3: “reconsider travel.” The U.S. military has evacuated embassy personnel from Haiti and increased security measures.
Chairman of the Caribbean Community Mohamed Irfaan Ali expressed his concern about the lack of consensus between the Haitian government and various stakeholders. The absence of critical institutions like Parliament further exacerbates the issues faced by the country. Ali urged all Haitian stakeholders to consider the consequences of their inaction and emphasized the need for a political solution to stabilize security and humanitarian efforts.
The U.N. Security Council recently discussed Haiti’s security issues in a closed session and called on armed gangs to cease their destabilizing actions. The council also emphasized the importance of bringing the perpetrators of these acts to justice. The hope is to swiftly deploy a U.N.-authorized Multinational Security Support mission to strengthen the Haitian National Police force and restore peace in Haiti. The United States, along with other countries, has committed financial and logistical support to aid in this mission.
The situation in Haiti has reached a critical level, and immediate action is required to bring stability to the country. The international community must rally together to support a Haitian-led political transition, establish a transitional government, and hold elections. The people of Haiti have endured enough suffering, and it is time for leaders to take responsibility and act decisively to end the violence and restore peace.
