US Warns Haiti's Transitional Council: 'We Will Take Action'
The United States has issued a stern warning to Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council, stating that any attempt to undermine the country's security will be met with swift action. The US embassy in Haiti released a statement on Thursday, emphasizing its goal of establishing "baseline security and stability" in the Caribbean nation.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau warned that the US would consider anyone supporting efforts to change the composition of the government by the non-elected Transitional Presidential Council at this late stage as acting contrary to the interests of the United States, the region, and the Haitian people. He also stated that the US would respond if such changes were to occur.
The warning comes amidst a growing crisis in Haiti, which has been plagued by widespread gang violence, instability, and corruption in its government. The country continues to struggle with the aftermath of President Jovenel Moise's assassination in 2021, which led to a power vacuum and a lack of leadership.
Experts say that the lack of effective governance has allowed Haiti's gangs to flourish, with some groups controlling vast stretches of territory, including up to 90% of the capital. The resulting violence has forced over 1.4 million Haitians from their homes, while millions more suffer from food insecurity due to gang-led roadblocks.
The US threat is likely to send shivers through the region, particularly in light of the recent attack on Venezuela on January 3. The administration of President Donald Trump has repeatedly advanced the notion that the entire Western Hemisphere falls under its sphere of influence, as part of a policy dubbed the "Donroe Doctrine".
The Transitional Presidential Council was established in 2024 to set the framework for new federal elections. However, it has faced criticism for its membership and allegations of corruption. The US has already added to the tensions on the council by announcing visa restrictions against one of its members.
As the council's mandate is set to dissolve on February 7, the future remains unclear. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has linked Haiti's ongoing humanitarian crisis to the vacuum in its government, emphasizing the need for transparent democratic processes and unified governance.
The UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) has also emphasized the importance of security concerns, including gang violence, impeding the democratic process. The organization plans to bolster its multinational security support mission in Haiti with more troops later this year.
The United States has issued a stern warning to Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council, stating that any attempt to undermine the country's security will be met with swift action. The US embassy in Haiti released a statement on Thursday, emphasizing its goal of establishing "baseline security and stability" in the Caribbean nation.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau warned that the US would consider anyone supporting efforts to change the composition of the government by the non-elected Transitional Presidential Council at this late stage as acting contrary to the interests of the United States, the region, and the Haitian people. He also stated that the US would respond if such changes were to occur.
The warning comes amidst a growing crisis in Haiti, which has been plagued by widespread gang violence, instability, and corruption in its government. The country continues to struggle with the aftermath of President Jovenel Moise's assassination in 2021, which led to a power vacuum and a lack of leadership.
Experts say that the lack of effective governance has allowed Haiti's gangs to flourish, with some groups controlling vast stretches of territory, including up to 90% of the capital. The resulting violence has forced over 1.4 million Haitians from their homes, while millions more suffer from food insecurity due to gang-led roadblocks.
The US threat is likely to send shivers through the region, particularly in light of the recent attack on Venezuela on January 3. The administration of President Donald Trump has repeatedly advanced the notion that the entire Western Hemisphere falls under its sphere of influence, as part of a policy dubbed the "Donroe Doctrine".
The Transitional Presidential Council was established in 2024 to set the framework for new federal elections. However, it has faced criticism for its membership and allegations of corruption. The US has already added to the tensions on the council by announcing visa restrictions against one of its members.
As the council's mandate is set to dissolve on February 7, the future remains unclear. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has linked Haiti's ongoing humanitarian crisis to the vacuum in its government, emphasizing the need for transparent democratic processes and unified governance.
The UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) has also emphasized the importance of security concerns, including gang violence, impeding the democratic process. The organization plans to bolster its multinational security support mission in Haiti with more troops later this year.