Nichols concluded a visit to Haiti on Thursday, during which he met with Prime Minister Ariel Henry, members of the High Transition Council, business leaders and civil society.
At a news conference, the US official reiterated Washington’s commitment to supporting a Haitian-led solution and making political progress that would allow elections to be held and a democratic government to be installed, he said.
In this sense, he supports the continuation of the dialogue in order to reach a consensus in favor of the return to the democratic order and endorses the recent appointment of the Chief Justices.
“The flexibility of the political and civil society sector as well as the private business sector would be necessary in this process,” said the Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere.
Nichols also announced $60 million in aid for the country’s humanitarian response, including the cholera epidemic that broke out in Haiti last October.
According to the undersecretary, the funding will make it possible to help 900,000 people through the distribution of medical kits, improved access to drinking water and support for disease treatment centers.
The amount is expected to also help fight food insecurity, which affects almost half of the population, and prevent gender-based violence.
Regarding the measures taken to limit gang violence, Nichols confirmed that visa restrictions and financial sanctions have been imposed on fifty figures who allegedly support armed groups for their own benefit.
Despite the official’s promises, many voices recalled America’s responsibility in the national crisis and criticized Washington’s continued interference in Haiti’s internal affairs.
For some progressive organizations, the solution to the crisis must begin with withdrawing the support of the international community from the current prime minister, whom they point to for his lack of legitimacy.
jha/ane