By Travis Ross, Canada Haiti Information Project (CHIP), July 26, 2022
In a recent call to the media, Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols announced that the United States committed $48 million to Haiti to "strengthen the HNP’s capacity to counter gangs, including funding community-based efforts to deter gang recruitment, hiring additional anti-gang subject matter experts, and supporting the HNP’s anti-gang operations".
This includes commitment includes "trainers with the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement "the Haitian National Police develop SWAT units.
According to a Fact Sheet on the US government's website, "the Department of State supports 14 embedded subject matter experts in HNP leadership and specialized units to enhance the institution’s capability to provide election security, support safer communities and more secure borders, and prevent civil unrest".
Although it is not specified in the US government Fact Sheet, these commitments are a result of negotiations with de facto Prime-Minister Ariel Henry, who's legitimacy as a leader have been in question since his nomination following the assassination of President Moise over one year ago.
Posted July 26, 2022