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this U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions against former Haitian President Michel Martelly, accusing him of facilitating the trafficking of dangerous drugs such as cocaine into the United States.
The sanctions announced Tuesday are part of a broader effort to address the ongoing crisis in Haiti, where gang violence and political instability have severely affected the country.
Martelly, who served as Haiti’s president from 2011 to 2016, “abused his influence to facilitate the trafficking of dangerous drugs, including cocaine, and shipped them into the United States. In addition, Martelly engaged in money laundering, worked with Haitian drug traffickers, and funded multiple Haitian gangs,” the Treasury statement said.
“The actions of corrupt political elites like Martelly exacerbate the challenges facing Haiti and contribute to the country’s instability,” said Bradley T. Smith, acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence at the State Department.
“Today’s action underscores our commitment to working with international partners to combat drug trafficking, corruption, and other activities that fuel gang violence and political instability in Haiti.”
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The sanctions, pursuant to Executive Order 14059, impose a number of prohibitions, including a ban on U.S. financial institutions from making loans or extending credit to Martelly. In addition, any foreign exchange transactions in which Martelly has an interest are prohibited within U.S. jurisdiction, and U.S. persons are prohibited from investing in or purchasing significant equity or debt instruments related to Martelly. The sanctions also include a ban on the former president from traveling to the United States, a frequent destination for Haitian elites, the State Department said.
Michel Martelly was previously sanctioned by the Canadian government in November 2022 for alleged human rights violations in Haiti. Specifically, Martelly was accused of supporting violent armed gangs that terrorized the Haitian population. A press release from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office stated that Martelly was “suspected of protecting and condoning the illegal activities of armed criminal gangs.”
Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, has been struggling with escalating violence, especially since armed groups forced then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign in February. Criminal gangs now control about 80 percent of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and residents live under the constant threat of murder, rape and kidnapping for ransom.
In response to the deteriorating situation, hundreds of Kenyan police officers were sent to Haiti as part of international efforts to restore stability to the country. The US sanctions on Martelly are seen as a key step in addressing the corruption and criminal activities that undermine peace and security in Haiti.
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