The United States said it is reviewing Haiti’s request for security assistance amid a crisis of gang violence and that Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere Brian Nichols will visit the island on Wednesday to assess the situation.
Heavily armed gangs control parts of the capital Port-au-Prince and have blocked access to the country’s main fuel terminal since mid-September.
This has worsened a latent humanitarian crisis by affecting electricity service, clean water, garbage collection and the operation of hospitals.
Last Friday, the Government of Haiti authorized Prime Minister Ariel Henry to request the immediate dispatch of a specialized international force to help combat the gangs, who have exploited a political vacuum that was created after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise on 17 July 2021.
On Tuesday, State Department spokesman Ned Price said the United States was reviewing Henry’s request in coordination with its international partners “to determine how we can best contribute to the removal of security constraints on security measures.” medical and humanitarian measures aimed at curbing the spread of cholera.
“We strongly condemn all those who stand in the way of the equitable and immediate distribution of much-needed humanitarian aid. This is a status quo that cannot persist,” said Price, who declined to say whether the US is considering sending forces, troops or police to Haiti.
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres backs Haiti’s call for an international armed force to support the Haitian National Police.
[La corresponsal de la VOA en la ONU, Margaret Besheer, contribuyó en este reporte.]
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