Colombian President Petro Visits Haiti to Support Security Efforts Amid Gang Violence

Colombian President Gustavo Petro visited Haiti for the second time in 2024 to support the country amid escalating gang violence. His trip focused on strengthening security, trade, education, agriculture, and anti-drug efforts. Petro announced the opening of a Colombian embassy in Port-au-Prince and offered to train Haitian security forces. He met with Haiti's Prime Minister and transitional council, as the country faces pressure to hold elections by 2026. His visit follows a major drug seizure and ongoing UN-backed efforts to combat gangs. Violence has killed nearly 5,000 and displaced 1.3 million Haitians. The nations are also cooperating on legal cases.