In a closed-door meeting in Jamaica, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken collaborated with Caribbean leaders to urgently address Haiti’s escalating violent crisis. Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s absence, due to ongoing unrest and gang violence, underscored the gravity of the situation. Meanwhile, concerns persist over the effectiveness of international efforts to resolve the crisis, with Caricom stressing the need for a peaceful political transition. The devastating impact of the violence is evident, with scores dead, thousands displaced, and critical supplies stranded due to port closures.
Amid calls for Henry’s resignation, the U.N. Security Council urged an immediate halt to destabilizing actions by Haitian gangs and emphasized the importance of supporting the Haitian National Police. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has called for urgent deployment of a multinational force, highlighting the pressing need for adequate funding to address the crisis effectively.