US Sec. of State Blinken pledges $45M in aid to gang-ravaged Haiti 

By Juhakenson Blaise & Jose Flécher

PORT-AU-PRINCE—U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced an additional $45 million in humanitarian aid to Haiti Thursday during his brief visit to Port-au-Prince. This announcement comes as Haiti grapples with unprecedented gang violence, which the national forces, supported by 400 Kenyan officers part of the United Nations-backed Multinational Support and Security (MSS) mission, are working to combat despite a crucial lack of funding. 

This new aid package brings the total U.S. contribution in humanitarian aid to over $210 million this year. It is intended to provide food, water, sanitation, and health services to over 1.5 million Haitians.

During a press conference held at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport, Secretary Blinken said his visit aimed to show U.S. support for the multinational mission fighting gang violence in Haiti and to push for establishing a provisional electoral council to move toward elections.

During his trip, Blinken met with the senior command of the MSS and the Haitian National Police (PNH) to discuss strategies against armed gangs. He emphasized the need for security personnel to be trained, equipped, and accountable. The U.S. Secretary of State noted progress in restoring security, which has enabled the reopening of the airports and the resumption of commercial flights.

“As the political process advances, the efforts needed to provide a solid security foundation are also progressing,” said Blinken. “As a result, airports have reopened, and commercial flights have resumed, allowing goods to enter.”

“What I am seeing is tremendous resilience and the emergence, the reemergence of hope. The United States stands with the people of Haiti,” the U.S. Secretary of State added.

Despite the progress noted by the U.S. top diplomat, challenges remain. Kenyan police officers in the mission have reported delays in salary payments and a lack of essential equipment. Blinken reiterated the United States’ commitment, having already provided over $300 million, including equipment and operational support, and promised further assistance.

Vast stretches of Haiti, including the Artinbonite department and an estimated 80 percent of the capital, Port-au-Prince, have fallen under gang control since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021. The violence has forced a record of approximately 580, 000 people out of their homes in 2024, marking the largest internal, crime-driven displacement crisis in the world.

Transforming the MSS into a UN mission

During his meeting with the Haitian leaders, Blinken discussed the possibility of transforming the Kenya-led MSS mission into a traditional U.N. peacekeeping operation to secure more funding and resources. He said he would soon talk to the U.N. General Assembly to advocate for transforming the mission, highlighting its success and the need for additional funding options.

“What I am seeing is tremendous resilience and the emergence, the reemergence of hope. The United States stands with the people of Haiti.”

Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State

Blinken told reporters that the plan to convene a ministerial meeting at the United Nations is crucial to encouraging greater international contributions to address Haiti’s security, economic, and humanitarian needs. The U.S. State Department’s consideration of transforming the Kenya-led Mission into a UN peacekeeping mission underscores what many experts on Haiti’s multidimensional crisis believe is necessary for long-term success.

The proposition was well received by Edgar Gardy Leblanc Fils, president of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), who emphasized the need for a short-term international mission focused on dismantling gangs and ultimately strengthening national security forces.

“If the nature of the mission changes, it will ensure mandatory UN funding, but it must be time-limited to dismantle the gangs quickly and transition control to national forces,” Leblanc said after meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State.

Focus on elections and political stability

Besides meeting with the president of the CPT before heading to Haiti’s neighboring country, the Dominican Republic,  Blinken also met with Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille to discuss security and the transition process. Discussions centered on forming the Electoral Provision Council (CEP) and advancing the electoral process amid delays in appointing representatives from various sectors.

The CPT aims to finalize the formation of the CEP soon and organize a referendum and general elections by the end of 2025, adhering to the transition deadline of February 7, 2026. The health of the CPT, mired in a corruption scandal, and constitutional reforms were also key discussion points.

To wrap up his visit, Blinken also plans to meet with Dominican President Luis Abinader to strengthen economic ties, advance shared values, and promote increased regional security, especially in Haiti.

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US Sec. of State Blinken pledges $45M in aid to gang-ravaged Haiti  was first posted on September 6, 2024 at 1:19 pm.