This trip, starting on Friday, will mark the second time this year that Colombian President Gustavo Petro has visited Haiti. His visit is to hone in on very pressing issues, such as security, commerce, education, agriculture and the ongoing battle against drug trafficking to name a few. This new endeavor brings attention to Colombia’s larger efforts to assist Haiti, which is facing eroding gang violence and national instability.
While on his DC visit, Petro focused much of his messaging around the need to support the strengthening of Haiti’s security forces. His promise to help train Haitian officers was a welcome step aimed at improving the ability of local law enforcement to maintain order. This initiative comes as Haiti continues to face significant challenges with gangs exerting control over large areas, leading to a humanitarian crisis.
Traveling with Petro was a large delegation that included Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez. Collectively, they partook in high-energy discussions centered on building partnerships to bolster Haiti’s public, private, and social sectors. To achieve these goals, Petro highlighted the urgent need for international cooperation. In his remarks at the newly opened Colombian embassy in Port-au-Prince, he proclaimed, “The time has come to be genuinely united.”
The inauguration of the diplomatic enclave is an important milestone in the development of bilateral relations between the governments of Colombia and Haiti. It can be a starting point for more sustained conversation and advocacy to meet the many needs of the Haitian people.
Before Petro arrived, Haitian officials made significant investments in infrastructure. They invested approximately $3.8 million to more than double the runway at the airport in Jacmel, aiming to facilitate better access and transportation. Additionally, the renovation of the town and restoration of electricity are efforts to uplift a community that has endured darkness for over three years.
With Haiti teetering on the edge of its security crisis, Petro’s visit further highlights how urgently the international community must engage with Haiti. The Colombian national government is supporting international efforts to stabilize the region. This support has the potential to improve quality of life for the nation’s people.
