The U.S. Treasury Department has announced sanctions against former Haitian President Michel Martelly, accusing him of facilitating the trafficking of dangerous drugs, including cocaine, destined for the United States.
The sanctions, unveiled on Tuesday, are part of broader efforts to address the ongoing crisis in Haiti, where gang violence and political instability have severely impacted the nation.
Martelly, who served as president of Haiti from 2011 to 2016, “abused his influence to facilitate the trafficking of dangerous drugs, including cocaine, destined for the United States. Additionally, Martelly engaged in the laundering of illicit drug proceeds, worked with Haitian drug traffickers, and sponsored multiple Haiti-based gangs,” according to the Treasury’s statement.
“Haiti’s challenges have been exacerbated by the actions of corrupt political elites like Martelly, who have contributed to the country’s destabilization,” said Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
“Today’s actions underscore our commitment, alongside international partners, to disrupt those who facilitate drug trafficking, corruption, and other activities fueling gang violence and political unrest in Haiti.”
The sanctions impose several prohibitions under Executive Order 14059, including barring U.S. financial institutions from making loans or providing credit to Martelly. Additionally, any foreign exchange transactions under U.S. jurisdiction in which Martelly has an interest are prohibited, and U.S. persons are restricted from investing in or purchasing significant equity or debt instruments associated with him. The sanctions also include a ban on the former president traveling to the United States, where Haitian elites go very regularly, according to the State Department.
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 in Haiti that terrorize the population. A press release by the office of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that Martelly is “suspected of protecting and enabling the illegal activities of armed criminal gangs.”
Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, has been grappling with escalating violence, particularly since February when armed groups forced the resignation of then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Currently, criminal groups control approximately 80 percent of the capital, Port-au-Prince, where residents live under the constant threat of murder, rape, and kidnapping for ransom.
In response to the worsening situation, hundreds of police officers from Kenya have been deployed to Haiti as part of an international effort to restore stability in the nation. The U.S. sanctions against Martelly are seen as a critical step in addressing the corruption and criminal activities undermining peace and security in Haiti.
