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Jon Finer, Principal Deputy National Security Advisor, led a U.S. delegation to Haiti on October 16, 2024, to discuss security and governance issues with key Haitian officials and international partners. The delegation included representatives from the U.S. Department of State, Department of Defense, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the National Security Council.
Finer’s visit focused on enhancing collaboration between the United States, the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, and the Haitian National Police (HNP) to strengthen Haiti’s security infrastructure. The MSS, a key component in stabilizing the country, has received significant support from the United States, which remains the mission’s largest financial contributor.
During meetings with the leadership of the MSS and the HNP, Finer emphasized the need for sustained international backing to restore law and order in Haiti. The U.S. continues to play a pivotal role in supplying resources and rallying global support for Haiti’s security challenges. Finer reiterated U.S. support for the Haitian government’s recent request to the United Nations Security Council to authorize a peacekeeping mission to eventually take over from the MSS.
In separate discussions with Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) and Prime Minister Garry Conille, Finer expressed condolences for the victims of a gang-led massacre in Pont-Sondé, which claimed over 100 lives. He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to helping Haiti restore security and prepare for free and fair elections. Finer also praised the recent peaceful transition of the presidency to Leslie Voltaire, stressing the importance of political unity and encouraging Haitian leaders to prioritize the nation’s interests.
In addition to security efforts, the U.S. remains Haiti’s largest humanitarian aid contributor, working alongside the United Nations and non-governmental organizations. The U.S. also supports the renewal of the HOPE/HELP trade preferences program to stimulate economic development in Haiti.
Finer’s visit underscores the U.S. commitment to aiding Haiti in both its security and governance challenges, while encouraging a cooperative approach to overcoming the country’s current crisis.
