Top Democrats Support Haiti’s Prime Minister’s Call for More U.S. Assistance

Top Democrats in Congress met with Haiti’s newly installed prime minister, Garry Conille, and expressed their commitment to advocating for additional American assistance. The meeting took place following the recent arrival of a U.S.-backed international police mission in Haiti aimed at restoring stability to the country amidst ongoing challenges posed by criminal gangs.

The Biden administration is set to allocate $100 million for the mission, with the United States being the primary financial supporter. Despite facing opposition from Republicans, the administration plans to proceed with the funding. Prime Minister Conille emphasized the urgent need for more financial support during the meeting with Democrats.

Prime Minister Conille stated, “This is a critical point,” as he highlighted the necessity of securing additional funds to swiftly address basic infrastructure needs, repair existing infrastructure, and ensure essential services are accessible to the people of Haiti.

Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, the sole Haitian American member of Congress, underscored the significance of meeting Haiti’s funding requirements promptly. She mentioned, “The issues in Haiti are significant, and we are working to understand the prime minister’s priorities to address security and economic needs effectively. Securing adequate funding is crucial for our collective success.”

After eight months since the United Nations authorized the deployment of international forces to Haiti, the initial phase of the Multinational Security Support Mission, led by Kenya, commenced on June 25. The mission aims to combat violence and restore stability in the country.