Haiti has requested the deployment of additional Kenyan police officers to help combat insecurity in the country. The request was made by Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille to Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome. The first contingent of 400 Kenyan police officers arrived in Haiti on June 25 as part of a United Nations-backed mission to restore stability in the nation. The Kenyan-led multinational force aims to work closely with Haitian authorities and international partners to create security conditions for free and fair elections. The force, which currently consists of 1,000 police officers from Kenya, with 200 already present, will be joined by police from other countries, totaling 2,500 personnel. The violence in Haiti has displaced over half a million people. The U.N.-backed mission has faced criticism due to concerns about human rights abuses by Kenyan police. The arrival of the Kenyan force was delayed, allowing powerful gangs to take control of up to 80% of the capital. The surge in violence has led to the formation of civilian vigilante groups [ffa93b5a].
In a significant development, Haitian gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, also known as Barbecue, announced that his gang will lay down their arms, paving the way for dialogue to restore peace in the country. Barbecue called on Prime Minister Conille to seize the opportunity and bring an end to the years-long war that has ravaged Haiti. Prime Minister Conille welcomed the move, emphasizing the need for justice for the victims of the gangs [ffa93b5a].
During his visit to Miami, Prime Minister Conille met with U.S. Representative Frederica Wilson and local Haitian-American leaders. The meeting, which lasted well over two hours, covered various topics, including safe and secure elections, constitution formation, humanitarian aid, healthcare, and preventing gang recruitment at an early age. They plan to present a list of demands to the Biden-Harris administration to seek support for Haiti. Conille did not take questions from the media [0e559437].
In Washington, D.C., Prime Minister Conille has allies such as U.S. Representatives Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Jan Schakowsky, and Yvette Clarke, who introduced a resolution for the $50 billion Louverture Investment Plan. Additionally, North Miami Vice Mayor Mary Estime-Irvin is working on turning the plan into a bill to provide stability and infrastructure funding for Haiti [0e559437].
Prime Minister Garry Conille gave a press conference at the Diplomatic Salon of Toussaint Louverture International Airport, presenting the results of his tour to Washington and New York from June 28 to July 5, 2024. He had important working meetings with officials from the World Bank, the IDB, the American Secretary of State, the United Nations Security Council, and the United Nations Economic and Social Council. The objective was to expose Haiti's vision and priorities to its partners. The meetings focused on the review of donor portfolios, the effectiveness of external aid, the urgency of national priorities, and the international support. Conille also visited the Haitian Embassy in Washington and met with the Haitian community in New York. He announced the priorities of his government, including the restoration of security and authority of the state, the relocation of displaced people, the free movement of people and goods, and the strengthening of justice and reparation for victims of insecurity [403869d4].
Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson and Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick met with U.S. Ambassador to Haiti, Dennis Hankins, in Little Haiti to discuss U.S.-Haitian Relations. The meeting comes after the United States announced the extension and redesignation of TPS and during tumultuous times in Haiti. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson hosted the Prime Minister of Haiti in his first visit to the United States in Miami in June with Haitian Leaders. The U.S. Ambassador expressed the need to create conditions for Haitians to feel confident in wanting to come back to Haiti. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava emphasized the importance of collaboration with the U.S. partners. Miami-Dade Board of County Commission Chairman Oliver Gilbert highlighted the historical friendship between the U.S. and Haiti. The President of the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida, Prinston Jean Glaude, emphasized the need for a stable Haiti. The reopening of the consulate in Haiti is expected to take a while due to limited staff and focus on outstanding immigrant visas. The event was held at Notre Dame d'Haiti Catholic Church in Miami [2ff36487].