Four members of U.S. Congress ask Biden to name Haiti special envoy

MIAMI (Reuters) -4 members of the U.S. Congress have referred to as on the Biden administration to call a brand new Particular Envoy for Haiti, as rampant gang violence cripples the impoverished Caribbean nation.

The put up was created after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, however diplomat Daniel Foote resigned from the job simply months after being named, in protest over the mass deportation of Haitian migrants and general U.S. coverage towards Haiti. A brand new envoy has not been named.

Gang violence has worsened since then, with bloody turf wars killing a whole bunch of individuals and displacing 1000’s. Gang battles in current weeks have damaged out close to the seat of presidency within the capital, Port-au-Prince.

“The dearth of this essential touchpoint within the administration has undoubtedly undermined the administration’s efforts to help the Haitian folks,” based on an Aug. 15 letter signed by Representatives Val Demings, Yvette Clarke, Ayanna Pressley and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick.

“Mr President, it’s with utmost urgency that we ask you to nominate a brand new Particular Envoy to the Republic of Haiti,” reads the letter, which famous Haiti doesn’t have an elected authorities.

The letter was first reported by the Miami Herald.

Consulted concerning the letter, a spokesperson for the White Home Nationwide Safety Council mentioned the Biden administration is dedicated to supporting Haiti by offering support and by backing a “Haitian resolution to the present political deadlock.”

“Our extremely succesful staff from throughout the U.S. authorities works diligently with stakeholders in Haiti in addition to inside the worldwide neighborhood to help a extra steady, safe, and affluent Haiti,” mentioned the spokesperson.

(Reporting by Brian Ellsworth; Modifying by Sandra Maler, Robert Birsel)