The United States has reiterated its support for Haiti’s fight against escalating gang violence, welcoming the deployment of a new UN-authorised multinational mission aimed at restoring security and stabilising the country ahead of planned elections.
The Gang Suppression Force (GSF), a 5,550-member contingent approved by the United Nations Security Council, will operate alongside Haitian authorities under a 12-month mandate. Its mission is to dismantle armed groups, secure critical infrastructure, and improve humanitarian access in communities heavily affected by violence and displacement.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored Washington’s backing during talks with Haitian Prime Minister Alix Fils-Aimé, who is visiting the United States as part of a series of high-level diplomatic meetings focused on Haiti’s security and political transition.
US officials said Rubio welcomed early progress toward deploying the force and stressed the importance of timely implementation of its mandate. He also highlighted that improvements in security are essential to creating conditions for credible and inclusive elections.
Rubio further reaffirmed US support for a multi-year extension of the HOPE/HELP trade preference programmes, which are viewed as part of broader stabilisation efforts for the Caribbean nation.
Fils-Aimé also met with members of the US Congress, including Mario Díaz-Balart, vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, where discussions focused on restoring state authority, improving security conditions, and preparing for elections.
During those talks, Haitian officials emphasized that lasting security is a prerequisite for any democratic transition, while US lawmakers reiterated interest in supporting Haiti’s stability and institutional recovery.
The Haitian leader also held discussions with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, where he raised concerns about the status of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians living in the United States. The meeting formed part of broader diplomatic efforts to maintain protections for the Haitian diaspora amid ongoing instability at home.
