Biden administration sheds light on Haiti's precarious transition

On Thursday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken added diplomatic weight to its Haiti policy with an official trip there by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Blinken is taking steps to resolve Haiti, an impasse between Democratic and Republican administrations for over 60 days – an election year political hotbed – just days away.

“While this visit may not have major ramifications for either party’s presidency or queenship, Brian Concannon, executive director of Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti said this event still represents significant political interest from their side of things and demonstrated high level interest for Haiti as well as how seriously their administration takes this matter.”

Caribbean country Saint Lucia is currently engaged in an unprecedented transition towards democracy, guided by a seven-member Transitional Presidential Council established to pick up after its previous government collapsed.

Blinken played an essential part in creating this council, developing its concept with Caricom leaders at various meetings held in Kingston Jamaica between March and April of 2013.

Since January 10, Haitians have established the Transitional Presidential Council, government with interim prime minister, cabinet, and institutions which deliver for Haiti’s people,” Blinken stated on Thursday in Port-au-Prince.

“The United States appreciates Haitian leaders putting aside their differences to move the nation toward free and fair elections.

Haitian advocates were disappointed at how little representation there was of their community at Kingston meetings and remain critical of how this council’s composition affects them.

Installation of the council followed the deployment of an MSS mission led by Kenyan police – something widely disapproved of by human rights experts – which led to widespread condemnation from human rights experts.

“Introducing foreign troops without proper human rights training, use-of-force protocols or accountability mechanisms further endangers Haitian civilians – particularly children – who already endure daily violence,” noted Ana Piquer of Amnesty International in July.

U.S. media have made violence an almost constant topic of conversation, often featuring reports on criminal gang leaders such as Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Cherizier that distract from civil society issues, elite groups or political alliances within it.

One such grouping was Haitian Tet Kale Party (PHTK). From 2017-2024 it officially led Haiti under Jovenel Moise’s presidency until his assassination in 2021 and under Ariel Henry until April of this year, when Henry announced his resignation paving way for an interim transitional council to take its place.

Moise was chosen by former President Michel Martelly to become his successor; although not technically part of PHTK himself, Moise played an essential part in its founding and subsequent rise to power.

Martelly was charged in August by the United States with being involved with international illicit drug trading networks.

“They sanctioned him for pretty serious stuff – running gangs, guns and trafficking cocaine into the United States are some serious accusations – yet were hit with ridiculously light sanctions that are completely incommensurate with his misconduct alleged, or what other Haitians received in Canada for similar behavior,” explained Concannon.

Martelly remains believed to play an influential leadership role within PHTK and related groups, such as parties directly represented on the transitional council.

Concannon noted, it is surprising the sanctions placed upon him were so light, given their serious violations, “it seems they weren’t punishing him so much as trying to influence him in doing what they wanted him to,” as was evident by their lack of any significant fine.

My guess for what he needs to accomplish next would be for his party to cooperate more fully with the transitional government.”

Blinken utilized his visit, just one week after Martelly was subjected to sanctions, to highlight Biden administration investments in Haiti – including humanitarian assistance and efforts that might revive its economy.

However, his focus was primarily on the short and medium-term political goals of the transitional council.

“To restore security is key and that’s exactly what the MSS and Haitian National Police have started doing; further work remains, though.” Blinken explained. To put Haiti back onto an effective democratic track and to prepare for elections next year are also priorities for him.