U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Haiti to reaffirm the U.S. government's commitment to a multinational mission aimed at combating gang violence in the Caribbean nation and to advocate for the long-awaited general elections. The visit comes as concerns mount over the funding and equipment shortages facing the U.N.-backed mission led by 400 Kenyan police.
The U.S. government is exploring the possibility of a U.N. peacekeeping operation to bolster resources in the fight against gangs that currently control 80% of Haiti's capital. Blinken's agenda includes meetings with Haitian officials, a transitional presidential council, and political party leaders to discuss progress in improving security and the appointment of a provisional electoral council to pave the way for upcoming elections.
