US sanctions two former Haitian lawmakers for corruption
Key Points(5)
- Department of State has announced the public designation of Arnel Belizaire, a former member of Haiti’s Chamber of Deputies, and Antonio Cheramy, a former Haitian senator, for their involvement in significant corruption during their time in office.
- According to the State Department, Belizaire and Cheramy abused their positions by interfering with public processes of the Haitian government, acts that undermined democratic institutions and “had serious effects on U.S.
- national interests by further destabilizing Haiti’s institutions and processes.” The designations come as Haiti grapples with worsening political instability, gang violence, and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
- The new force, requested by Haiti, would deploy more than 5,500 personnel, five times the size of the current Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, and operate under a Chapter VII mandate to proactively target gangs, secure critical infrastructure, and restore security to the country.
- “Despite Kenya and other MSS contributors’ sacrifices, the mission lacks the mandate and resources necessary to meet the scale of the challenge,” Landau said.
The U.S. Department of State has announced the public designation of Arnel Belizaire, a former member of Haiti’s Chamber of Deputies, and Antonio Cheramy, a former Haitian senator, for their involvement in significant corruption during their time in office.
The action, announced Monday by Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas “Tommy” Pigott, makes Belizaire, Cheramy, and their immediate family members generally ineligible for entry into the United States under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act.
According to the State Department, Belizaire and Cheramy abused their positions by interfering with public processes of the Haitian government, acts that undermined democratic institutions and “had serious effects on U.S. national interests by further destabilizing Haiti’s institutions and processes.”
The designations come as Haiti grapples with worsening political instability, gang violence, and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
“These corrupt actions have destabilized Haiti’s democratic institutions and processes,” said Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who spoke at a high-level UN event organized by Kenyan President William Ruto. “The era of impunity is over for individuals promoting violence and undermining the country’s stability and governance.”
Landau also addressed Haiti’s escalating gang crisis, calling for urgent support for a proposed resolution that would create a larger, more capable UN gang suppression force and a UN support office. The new force, requested by Haiti, would deploy more than 5,500 personnel, five times the size of the current Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, and operate under a Chapter VII mandate to proactively target gangs, secure critical infrastructure, and restore security to the country.
“Despite Kenya and other MSS contributors’ sacrifices, the mission lacks the mandate and resources necessary to meet the scale of the challenge,” Landau said. He urged UN member states to act swiftly before the MSS mandate expires October 2, warning that delays could worsen the crisis.
Haiti, a nation of 11 million, faces a severe humanitarian and security emergency, with six million people in need of aid, 1.3 million displaced, rising malnutrition, and a cholera outbreak. Landau emphasized that the United States will continue to pursue gang leaders and supporters through indictments, arrests, sanctions, and arms seizures, but international cooperation and funding are crucial to stabilize the country.
“This is not a crisis that can be ignored or deferred. The people of Haiti cannot wait,” Landau said, linking the fight against corruption with efforts to restore safety, governance, and hope.
