The United States has imposed sanctions on former Haitian President Michel Joseph Martelly over allegations of abusing his influence to facilitate drug trafficking into the U.S. and supporting gangs that have contributed to instability in Haiti. The Treasury Department's acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence emphasized Martelly's significant role in perpetuating the crisis in Haiti along with other corrupt political elites.
Haiti is currently grappling with widespread gang violence, with peaceful protesters facing tear gas from law enforcement as they demand action against the violent gangs seizing control of neighborhoods. In response, hundreds of police officers from Kenya have arrived in Haiti for a U.N.-backed mission to address the gang-related issues.
A recent United Nations report highlighted that gang violence in Haiti has led to the displacement of over 300,000 children since March, with many children living in poor hygienic conditions in makeshift shelters, including schools, putting them at risk of disease.
Martelly, who served as president from 2011 to 2016, was previously sanctioned by the Canadian government in November 2022 for allegedly financing gangs. In January, a Haitian judge issued an arrest warrant for Martelly and more than 30 other high-ranking officials accused of government corruption, particularly related to misappropriation of funds or equipment from Haiti’s National Equipment Center.
A State Department official stated that the sanctions imposed on Tuesday aim to hold individuals accountable for their roles in perpetuating gang violence and political destabilization in Haiti, irrespective of their status. The U.S. justified the sanctions using a December 2021 executive order targeting foreigners involved in the drug trade.
Martelly was unavailable for comment regarding the imposed sanctions.
