December 23, 2024
The United States has reaffirmed its support for Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille as the country continues to face a wave of violence caused by armed gangs. In a series of recent tweets, Brian Nichols, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, expressed Washington’s full backing of the efforts undertaken by the Conille government to restore security and stability in Haiti.
Nichols specifically praised the joint operations conducted by the Haitian National Police (HNP) and the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, which have successfully pushed back several gangs and protected strategic areas in Port-au-Prince. He emphasized the importance of this collaboration, which has led to the seizure of weapons and the neutralization of several gang members, while improving the protection of local residents.
The U.S. also supports international contingents, including forces from Kenya, Jamaica, Belize, and the Bahamas, which play a key role alongside the HNP in combating insecurity. Nichols highlighted that individuals seeking to exploit the situation for personal gain will be held accountable, both by Haitian and international authorities.
In a strong message, Nichols called for national unity in Haiti, stressing that now is the time to set aside internal political disputes to focus all efforts on fighting gangs. “This is not the time for internal political infighting,” he insisted. He expressed unequivocal support for Prime Minister Conille and his cabinet, praising their work in advancing the national priorities set by the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC).