Blinken Visits Haiti, Dominican Republic Amid Crises

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Haiti on Thursday to bolster the UN-backed security mission amid severe gang violence and political instability. Blinken's visit aims to discuss Haiti's political transition, including the appointment of a Provisional Electoral Council to facilitate elections and reinforce security efforts led by a multinational force headed by Kenya. The US, alongside Canada, has been the primary contributor to the mission, which faces financial and logistical challenges. Blinken will also travel to the Dominican Republic to address shared priorities, including democratic governance and regional security. The visit comes amid heightened tensions between Haiti and the Dominican Republic over water resource disputes and recent diplomatic strains. The international community is called upon to increase financial support to ensure the mission's continued success and stability in Haiti.