U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken begins a two-day visit to Haiti to bolster support for the UN-backed Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in the country.
According to State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller, Blinken’s agenda includes meetings with key Haitian figures such as Transitional Presidential Council Coordinator Edgard Leblanc Fils and Prime Minister Garry Conille.
The discussions will focus on Haiti’s democratic transition, U.S. humanitarian aid, and support for Haitian-led stabilization efforts.
Blinken is also scheduled to meet with the leadership of the MSS mission, which is currently commanded by Kenya’s Godfrey Otunge.
The mission includes around 400 security personnel from Kenya’s National Police Service, with plans to deploy up to 1,000 officers in total.
The meetings will highlight U.S. dedication to restoring security in Haiti while emphasizing the importance of human rights.
Blinken’s visit comes amid recent concerns about delayed salaries for the Kenyan officers involved in the mission.
Despite their arrival in Haiti on June 25 and July 16, and the subsequent payment of overdue salaries, there were issues regarding timely disbursement.
Each officer is expected to receive an additional Sh100,000 on top of their regular Kenyan police salaries.
The mission is supported by the UN, with significant contributions from the U.S., including the recent delivery of 24 new armored personnel carriers.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols has indicated that the U.S. is exploring various options, including a formal UN peacekeeping operation, to ensure sustainable funding and staffing for the mission.
Following his time in Haiti, Blinken will visit the Dominican Republic to meet with President Luis Abinader.
In Santo Domingo, the discussions will focus on strengthening the U.S.-Dominican partnership, promoting inclusive economic growth, and advancing human rights.
Additionally, they will address governance, security, and climate resilience in the region through initiatives like the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis (PACC 2030) and the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI).