The new American ambassador, Dennis B. Hankins, arrived in Haiti following his confirmation by the U.S. Senate.
Dennis B. Hankins has been in Haiti since March 26, 2024, marking the beginning of his term as U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Haiti.
His appointment by President Joseph Biden in May 2023 was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on March 14, 2024.
In an official statement from the U.S. Embassy, Ambassador Hankins expresses his gratitude for the trust placed in him and his commitment to the Haitian people.
“It is an honor for me to return to Haiti, a place I love, as ambassador. I recognize that the Haitian people are going through a difficult period. Haiti deserves peace, security and prosperity. I pledge to be a humble partner to the Haitian people in this time of crisis and throughout our common journey towards a future marked by democracy, stability, prosperity and peace”, he declares.
Mr. Hankins says he is aware of the deteriorating situation in Haiti. He promises to work with local actors to facilitate the holding of elections in Haiti.
His mission to Haiti comes at a crucial time in the country’s history, marked by economic, political and social challenges.
More than 80% of the Haitian capital is controlled by armed gangs who sow terror all day long.
Hundreds of people have lost their lives, while thousands more have been forced to flee their homes, according to the latest United Nations report on the security situation in Haiti between January and March 2024.
Ambassador Hankins says he is committed to supporting efforts to restore democracy, promote human rights and ensure a more prosperous and stable Haiti for the Haitian people.
The American ambassador pledges to work to strengthen cooperation between the United States and Haiti in the search for solutions to the common challenges facing both countries. He pledges to work closely with Haitian authorities, civil society and the international community to advance common interests and strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two nations. His tenure in Haiti promises to be a period of dialogue, cooperation and partnership in the quest for a better future for the Haitian people and for bilateral relations between the United States and Haiti.
“Haitians deserve to be represented by elected officials who are accountable to the people. I am committed to working with my team at the U.S. Embassy, with my colleagues in Washington, DC, and especially with Haitian stakeholders to ensure that we have learned from our shared history, that we consider the needs and desires of all voices in Haiti, and that the United States continues to be a partner and supporter of Haitian-led efforts to restore democratic order, address human rights, and secure a more prosperous and stable Haiti for the Haitian people.”, said the new U.S. Representative to Haiti.
Dennis B. Hankins is a seasoned diplomat with extensive international experience.
Since beginning his career in 1984, he has served in several countries, including Brazil, Thailand, Sudan, and previously in Haiti.
Prior to his appointment as ambassador to Haiti, he held diplomatic posts in Guinea and Mali. His expertise in international affairs and his understanding of regional and global issues make him a valuable asset in strengthening ties between the United States and Haiti.
Married with a son, Danu, who serves in the U.S. Navy, Ambassador Hankins is fluent in French, Portuguese and Indonesian.
A native of Minnesota, he calls the state home and looks forward to working closely with Haitian authorities and civil society to promote stability, democracy and development in Haiti, according to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Haiti.
While Mr. Hankins arrived in Haiti, efforts are underway at the U.S. government level to facilitate the departure of U.S. citizens from the country as quickly as possible due to the deteriorating security situation.
For several years now, the U.S. Embassy in Haiti has been operating with a skeleton staff.
Non-essential embassy personnel are being repatriated to Washington for security reasons.