WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) — The United States (US) has reaffirmed its commitment to help Haiti deal with its ongoing security concerns and welcomed the deployment of troops with the Gang Suppression Force (GSF).

The GSF Haiti is the newly authorised multinational mission by the United Nations Security Council. The 5,550-strong force, which has a 12-month mandate, will work alongside Haitian authorities to neutralise gangs, secure infrastructure and support humanitarian access.

Its main aim is to protect vulnerable populations from escalating violence and prevent the displacement that inevitably follows.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with visiting Haitian Prime Minister Alix Fils-Aimé and reaffirmed Washington’s support for the French-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) country as it deals with a stability and security problem.

“The secretary welcomed progress on the deployment of the Gang Suppression Force and reaffirmed the need for timely execution of its mandate. Secretary Rubio commended the prime minister’s leadership as security forces expand their presence and coordination,” said the Principal Deputy Spokesperson, Tommy Pigott.

“The secretary stressed the importance of security improvements to enable the country’s path to elections. Secretary Rubio reaffirmed the administration’s support for a multi-year re-authorisation of HOPE/HELP to support stabilisation efforts,” Pigott added.

Apart from Rubio, Fils-Aimé, who is in the North American country until Thursday, also met with Mario Díaz-Balart, the vice chairman of the US House Appropriations Committee.

A statement said that the discussions focused on the security situation in Haiti, efforts to restore state authority and the conditions necessary for holding credible, free and inclusive elections.

Fils-Aimé stressed that security remains essential for any democratic transition and the holding of general elections, while Díaz-Balart reaffirmed the US Congress’ interest in Haiti’s stability and encouraged continued efforts to restore security and strengthen democratic institutions.

In his discussions with Democratic Party leader in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, a long-time advocate for temporary protected status (TPS) and the rights of immigrant communities, the Haitian leader reaffirmed the importance of TPS for thousands of Haitians living in the United States.

The meeting with Schumer has been described as part of a series of diplomatic efforts to advocate for the maintenance and renewal of protections granted to the Haitian diaspora, within a still fragile humanitarian and security context.