Senate votes to confirm US ambassador to Haiti amid gang attempt to seize power in Caribbean country

3 minutes, 44 seconds Read

[ad_1]

Join Fox News for entry to this content material

Plus particular entry to choose articles and different premium content material together with your account – freed from cost.

Please enter a legitimate e mail tackle.

The Senate confirmed Dennis B. Hankins because the U.S. ambassador to the Republic of Haiti, because the country faces a brutal marketing campaign for management by violent gangs.

By a vote of 89-1, Hankins was confirmed to the publish. Hankins has labored for years in the Senior Foreign Service and beforehand served because the ambassador to Mali, and earlier than that, Guinea. 

The sole vote towards Hankins’ affirmation was forged by Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., who advised Fox News Digital he plans to block nominees by President Biden till he alters his power insurance policies.

Then-American ambassador to Mali, Dennis B. Hankins is pictured on December 7, 2021, in Bamako, Mali. (ANNIE RISEMBERG/AFP by way of Getty Images)

“Until Mr. Biden drops this battle against American energy, I’m going to block every nominee he tries to place at the State and Energy departments,” Kennedy mentioned. “Like the Terminator, I’ll be back again and again to stop his nominees and remind the world that he’s intentionally killing jobs and threatening our national security to placate confused climate extremists.”

SCHUMER CALLS FOR NEW ISRAELI LEADER TO REPLACE NETANYAHU IN SENATE FLOOR SPEECH

Meanwhile, Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry introduced Tuesday that he could be resigning, however not till a transitional presidential council is shaped, which will probably be tasked with naming an interim PM.

Haiti crowds

Pedestrians and commuters fill a road in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Tuesday, March 12, 2024.  (AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph)

Henry’s resolution got here simply hours after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Caribbean officers met in close by Jamaica to tackle the occasions unfolding in Haiti, as gangs goal police stations, prisons, and the country’s essential airport. 

A specialised Marine anti-terrorism unit arrived in Haiti Thursday to assist shield the American embassy and probably evacuate personnel, the U.S. Southern Command advised Fox News. 

The job of putting in an interim president in Haiti confronted a big impediment Wednesday when a few of the country’s political events rejected the plan for a transitional presidential council. Former senator and presidential candidate Moïse Jean-Charles claimed he would not participate in it, in accordance to the Associated Press. Jean-Charles has reportedly been working with a former insurgent chief, Guy Philippe.  

JOHNSON SAYS HOUSE WILL ‘APPLY EVERY AMOUNT OF PRESSURE’ TO SENATE TO PASS TIKTOK BILL

Louis-Jodel Chamblain and Guy Philippe (l-r), Haitian rebel leaders, Cap Haitien, Haiti, photo

Louis-Jodel Chamblain, left, and Guy Philippe, proper. (Copyright 2004 The Associated Press)

The unrest in Haiti has led to disagreement amongst lawmakers and President Biden’s administration in the U.S. 

Blinken revealed Monday that $300 million could be contributed to a multinational safety mission to Haiti, led by Kenya. 

ILHAN OMAR SAYS ‘OF COURSE’ SHE WILL VOTE FOR BIDEN AFTER WARNING HIM ABOUT LOSING MUSLIM VOTES OVER ISRAEL

However, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul, R-Texas, and Senate Foreign Relations Committee rating member Jim Risch, R-Idaho, have introduced a hurdle for the administration. 

Michael McCaul

Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul

“After years of discussions, repeated requests for information, and providing partial funding to help them plan, the administration only this afternoon sent us a rough plan to address this crisis. Whether it’s ‘credible and implementable’ remains to be seen,” they mentioned in a joint assertion to NatSec Daily. “Given the long history of U.S. involvement in Haiti with few successful results, the administration owes Congress a lot more details in a more timely manner before it gets more funding.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The strongest gang in Haiti, which is attempting to seize power, is called the G9 Family and Allies. It is led by 46-year-old Jimmy Cherizier, who’s referred to as “Barbecue.” Prior to his changing into a gang chief, Cherizier was as soon as a Haitian National Police officer. 

His murky previous of allegedly orchestrating the 2018 La Saline bloodbath, ensuing in 71 deaths and 400 properties being burned down, gave him his nickname of “Barbecue,” however Cherizier mentioned his moniker is due to his mom’s fried hen road merchandising enterprise, the AP reported.

[ad_2]

Source hyperlink

Similar Posts