December 23, 2024
Jon Finer, the Principal Deputy National Security Advisor of the United States, made a strategic visit to Haiti on October 16, 2024, as part of international efforts to restore security and enhance governance in the country. During his visit, he met with top Haitian officials, including members of the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC), Prime Minister Garry Conille, as well as leaders of the Haitian National Police (HNP) and the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. This meeting was part of ongoing support for Haiti’s efforts to stabilize the country and pave the way for free and fair elections.
Jon Finer expressed his condolences for the victims of the gang massacre in Pont-Sondé, while reaffirming the United States’ commitment to backing local initiatives aimed at restoring order. He commended the presidential transition to Leslie Voltaire and urged Haitian leaders to prioritize the nation’s interests over partisan concerns. According to Mr. Finer, the unity of Haitian leadership is critical to addressing the aspirations of the population in this time of crisis.
Finer also met with MSS and HNP leaders, emphasizing the importance of international support in restoring security in Haiti. The United States, as the largest contributor to the MSS mission, has pledged to continue providing the necessary resources to sustain this initiative. Mr. Finer further confirmed Washington’s backing of Haiti’s request for a United Nations peacekeeping mission, which could eventually replace the MSS.
In addition to security issues, Finer reaffirmed the United States’ role as Haiti’s principal humanitarian aid contributor and highlighted the importance of renewing the HOPE/HELP trade preference program to boost economic recovery. This support aims to enhance the country’s prosperity, particularly amid ongoing multiple crises.