Senate approves seasoned diplomat as new envoy to volatile Haiti
In a decisive move on Thursday, the Senate approved Dennis Hankins, a seasoned diplomat, as the US ambassador to Haiti. The country is facing a critical situation with escalating violence pushing social stability to its limits.
The Senate has officially confirmed Dennis Hankins, a long-time foreign service member, as the new US ambassador to Haiti. This decision comes at a critical time for the country, as ongoing violence has pushed social order to the brink of collapse.
The confirmation vote was a clear display of bipartisan support, with 89 senators voting in favor and only 1 opposing.
Key senators who play a role in shaping Haiti policy expressed to CNN their eagerness to appoint an ambassador to the country. This would help in gaining a deeper understanding of the urgent requirements in Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital, which has been facing severe challenges due to organized gang attacks on law enforcement and government facilities. Since 2021, there has been a vacancy in the position of ambassador.
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The ongoing unrest has led to tens of thousands of people fleeing their homes. As a result, the United States, Germany, and European Union embassies in Haiti have had to evacuate their personnel. To help with security, a specialized US Marine unit has been sent to the US embassy. The embassy will still be open, but with limited operations that focus on assisting US citizens and supporting Haitian efforts to achieve a peaceful transition of power, according to the US Southern Command on Tuesday.
Hankins was confirmed as the new ambassador to Haiti after Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced his resignation on Monday due to ongoing chaos in the country. President Joe Biden had nominated Hankins for the position back in May 2023. Hankins, a former ambassador to Mali and Guinea, has a long history of working for the State Department, with almost four decades of experience. He had previously served in Haiti earlier in his career.
The position became available after Michele Sison stepped down from the role in October 2021 to take on the position of assistant secretary of state for international organizational affairs.
This report includes contributions from CNN's Colin McCullough, Caitlin Stephen Hu, and Helen Regan.
Editor's P/S:
The confirmation of Dennis Hankins as the new US ambassador to Haiti is a positive step toward addressing the country's dire situation. With his extensive foreign service experience and prior knowledge of Haiti, Hankins is well-equipped to navigate the complex challenges facing the nation. The bipartisan support for his appointment reflects the urgency of the situation and the need for a skilled diplomat to help restore stability and peace.
As highlighted in the article, the ongoing violence and unrest in Haiti have forced tens of thousands to flee their homes and prompted the evacuation of embassy personnel. The US Marine unit's deployment to the US embassy underscores the gravity of the security situation. Hankins' appointment will provide a vital diplomatic link between the United States and Haiti, facilitating a deeper understanding of the urgent needs in Port-au-Prince and supporting Haitian efforts to achieve a peaceful transition of power. to peace and stability, while also providing essential assistance to the Haitian people in their time of need.
