As Haiti’s interim government is trying to stabilise the nation and prepare for elections after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, it has asked the US and UN to deploy troops for the protection of key infrastructures, the Associated Press reported.

Haiti’s election minister Mathias Pierre told the AP that the government has requested military assistance from the US and the United Nations as the nation’s local police force is weak and lacks resources.

Also Read | ‘In the blink of an eye…’: Martine Moise, wife of slain Haiti President speaks up

Mathias Pierre said, “What do we do? Do we let the country fall into chaos? Private properties destroyed? People killed after the assassination of the president? Or, as a government, do we prevent?” the AP quoted.

“We’re not asking for the occupation of the country. We’re asking for small troops to assist and help us. … As long as we are weak, I think we will need our neighbours.”

However, a senior official from Joe Biden’s administration on Saturday said that the US has no plans to provide Haiti with military assistance. But the White House will send senior FBI and Department of Homeland Security officials on Sunday to Port-au-Prince to assess the situation and see how the US can assist the nation, the AP reported.

In Haiti, the US last deployed its military in 1915 when an angry mob killed President Vilbrun Guillaume. The US’s 28th President, Woodrow Wilson, had sent Marines to Haiti saying it was a way to avert anarchy in the nation. The American occupation in Haiti had lasted for two decades.

“We definitely need assistance and we’ve asked our international partners for help,” Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph told the AP.

UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said on Saturday that Haiti in a letter has asked for assistance. The AP reported, quoting a UN source, that the nation wants the UN to deploy troops and security at key installations.