The newly appointed United States Ambassador to Haiti, Henry Wooster, says his top priority is to address the deepening security crisis plaguing the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member state, where criminal gangs have tightened their grip on power.
In a video message released by the U.S. Embassy, Wooster—who previously served in Haiti between 1998 and 2000—expressed his commitment to supporting the Haitian people during what he described as a “crucial time” for the nation.
“I will work with the Haitian people to strengthen the relationship between our two countries and address the complex challenges we face,” he said. “In these unprecedented times, our priority is to address the security situation.”
Wooster denounced the ongoing violence, noting that for too long, armed gangs have used brutality to terrorize the country for personal gain. “This comes at the expense of ordinary Haitians,” he said.
Since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, Haiti has descended further into lawlessness. The United Nations reports that 85 percent of the capital, Port-au-Prince, is now under gang control. Violence has since spread beyond the capital into the Artibonite and Centre Departments, displacing over 239,000 people from those areas alone. In total, more than 1.3 million Haitians have been displaced by the violence—marking the largest politically driven displacement in the country’s modern history.
The U.N. has warned of escalating food insecurity, stating that Haiti is one of just five countries globally facing famine-like conditions.
Ambassador Wooster emphasized that the U.S., in coordination with the international community, would support efforts to stabilize the country, including strengthening the Haitian National Police and backing the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission. The U.N. Security Council recently extended the MSS mandate to October 2, 2025, with the political framework set to remain in effect until January 2026.
“I want to hear your voices, your ideas and your hopes for the future,” Wooster said, pledging collaboration with Haitians to rebuild a safer, more secure nation. “We believe in Haiti’s potential.”
