US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Thursday that the United States is actively working on the formation of an international force to assist Haiti, which is facing significant challenges.
However, Blinken did not commit to leading the force himself.
Blinken emphasized the consensus regarding the need for a multinational force to support the work of the police and create a more secure environment.
This would provide an opportunity for efforts to strengthen Haiti’s police and security services, allowing the government to regain control of the country currently dominated by gangs in many areas.
During his visit to Georgetown, Guyana, after attending the Caribbean Community (Caricom) summit in Trinidad and Tobago, Blinken met with Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
He stressed the importance of international unity in addressing the situation in Haiti.
Haiti, as the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, has been experiencing a severe crisis and has not held elections since 2016.
The capital, Port-au-Prince, is largely under the control of armed gangs.
Prime Minister Henry has been calling for international intervention for almost a year, with the support of the United Nations.
Blinken confirmed ongoing discussions with countries within and outside the region and with the United Nations to establish the international force.
The United States is actively participating in these discussions but did not specify its specific role.
Blinken acknowledged that while humanitarian aid and security resources have been provided, more needs to be done.
In a separate development, the UN reported that self-proclaimed vigilantes have killed at least 264 people accused of gang membership in Haiti since April, highlighting the ongoing violence in the country.