US Encourages Haiti to Prioritize Electoral Council in Midst of Turmoil

US officials have urged Haiti's prime minister to prioritise forming an electoral council as the nation seeks to rebuild its government amidst severe gang violence. This crucial step will allow Haitians to democratically choose their leaders for the first time in years, stated Brian Nichols, US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs. Nichols spoke following a meeting between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille.

Weeks of coordinated gang attacks led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry in April, resulting in the dissolution of his Cabinet. Armed groups seized police stations, fired at the main international airport, which remained closed for nearly three months, and stormed Haiti's two largest prisons. A transitional council was later formed, appointing Conille as the new prime minister.

Focus on Security and Stability

At Tuesday's meeting, Blinken and Conille discussed steps for a UN-backed contingent of foreign police aimed at reducing gang violence in Haiti. The initial group of Kenyan police officers has been deployed to help restore stability. Criminal gangs currently control about 80 per cent of Port-au-Prince, the capital.

The surge in violence has displaced over 580,000 people in recent months, according to a report by the UN's International Organization for Migration. The US has provided training and personnel to support the international mission in Haiti, said Todd Robinson, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

Support from the United States

The US has also delivered armed vehicles, drones, and other equipment to strengthen the Haitian National Police amid ongoing attacks. Training and equipment were provided to Haiti's counternarcotics unit and border police units, Robinson confirmed. "The US has provided deployment training and personnel to support the international mission in Haiti," he added.

Nichols acknowledged Conille's progress in improving conditions to restore security but stressed the need to establish an electoral council. Part of the council's mission is to appoint an electoral commission, a prerequisite for holding elections. The council's non-renewable mandate expires on February 7, 2026, when a new president is scheduled to be sworn in.

The establishment of an electoral council is seen as a critical step towards giving Haitians a chance to elect their leaders democratically. "This critical step toward will give the Haitian people an opportunity to select their leaders democratically for the first time in years," said Nichols.

The situation remains dire as criminal gangs continue to exert significant control over Port-au-Prince. The deployment of Kenyan police officers is part of broader efforts to curb violence and restore order. The international community remains focused on supporting Haiti through this challenging period.

The discussions between Blinken and Conille highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing Haiti's security challenges. The US continues to play a pivotal role in providing resources and support to help stabilise the country.

As Haiti works towards rebuilding its government and restoring order, the establishment of an electoral council remains a top priority. The international community's involvement is crucial in ensuring that Haitians can exercise their democratic rights and elect their leaders.