Blinken announces $45M aid for Haiti"s security mission

During a visit to Port-au-Prince on Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a significant humanitarian aid package of $45 million for Haiti, a nation grappling with severe gang violence. This visit marks Blinken's first as the top U.S. diplomat and highlights the urgent need for international support in addressing Haiti's escalating security crisis. He emphasized the necessity for renewed funding and personnel to sustain the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission aimed at combating armed gangs that have taken control of much of the capital. Blinken's discussions included plans to convene a ministerial meeting at the upcoming U.N. General Assembly to rally greater international contributions for Haiti's security, economic, and humanitarian needs. The U.S. administration is considering transforming the MSS mission into a traditional U.N. peacekeeping operation, which could facilitate additional funding and resources, including military support. The current situation in Haiti is dire, with at least 80% of Port-au-Prince no longer under the control of local authorities, leading to widespread violence, including murders, kidnappings, and rapes. The U.N. reports that over 578,000 individuals have been displaced due to this violence. Blinken's visit underscores the U.S. commitment to supporting Haiti as it navigates these challenges. In his meetings with Haitian officials, including Edgard Leblanc Fils from the Transitional Presidential Council, there was a shared recognition of the urgent need to advance election preparations. The U.S. and Canada remain the primary funders of the MSS mission, which has an estimated first-year cost of $589 million, with the U.S. already contributing $309 million.