The Role of the International Community in the Haitian Crisis

Haiti has descended into chaos since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. The government has lost legitimacy, and gangs now rule much of the country. The country’s political elites seem stuck in a debate about the best path to hold new elections and restore the legitimacy of the government. The effect of the assassination was compounded by a strong earthquake that hit southern Haiti in September 2021, as well as by the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war that began in February 2022, which drove up food and fuel prices. Economic performance has been hobbled by these events. In October 2022, President Ariel Henry requested support from the international community to help local police forces restore order. The international community has reacted cautiously to this request, and the UN-approved Kenyan support mission to the island was blocked by a Kenyan court. The political and economic instability in Haiti has greater repercussions, becoming a breeding ground for instability to spread to the region.

The Georgetown Americas Institute is pleased to invite you to a presentation of a background report on Haiti by Robert Rennhack, former deputy director of the International Monetary Fund’s Western Hemisphere Department, followed by a discussion with Ambassador Susan Page, professor of practice in international diplomacy at the University of Michigan, and Johnny Celestin, deputy director of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises. Panelists will address what might be the role of the international community on the road to achieve political, economic, and social stability.

Accommodation requests must be made to kb1386@georgetown.edu by February 26.