US Places Sanctions on Former Haitian Leader

The US has sanctioned former Haitian President Michel Martelly for alleged drug trafficking.

At a Glance

US sanctions target Michel Martelly for drug trafficking and money laundering.
Martelly served as president of Haiti from 2011 to 2016.
Sanctions freeze his assets and bar Americans from dealing with him.
Martelly allegedly abused his influence to facilitate drug trafficking to the US.

US Sanctions Michel Martelly

Michel Martelly, the former president of Haiti, has been sanctioned by the United States for his alleged involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering. These sanctions were imposed by the US Department of the Treasury in an effort to curb Martelly’s influence and hold him accountable for his alleged crimes. As part of the sanctions, Martelly’s assets in the US are frozen, and Americans are barred from engaging in any financial dealings with him.

Martelly served as president of Haiti from 2011 to 2016. During his presidency, he allegedly used his position to facilitate the trafficking of cocaine and other dangerous drugs into the United States. The US Treasury has accused him of not only being involved in drug trafficking but also of sponsoring various Haiti-based gangs to advance his political and personal interests.

Today, the United States sanctioned former Haitian President Michel Martelly. Martelly has facilitated drug trafficking and sponsored Haiti-based gangs. We will continue to promote accountability and a secure future for Haiti.

— Vedant Patel (@StateDeputySpox) August 20, 2024

Humanitarian Crisis in Haiti

The ongoing crisis in Haiti has been exacerbated by the activities of gangs and political corruption. According to the United Nations, nearly 580,000 people have been displaced by gang violence. These gangs have taken control of roughly 80 percent of Port-au-Prince, leading to widespread violence, kidnappings, and looting.

According to Bradley T. Smith, acting under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, “Today’s action emphasizes the significant and destabilizing role he and other corrupt political elites have played in perpetuating the ongoing crisis in Haiti.” The US aims to promote accountability and ensure a more secure future for the people of Haiti.

International Efforts and Future Steps

Efforts to stabilize Haiti have attracted international attention. Kenya, for example, has deployed hundreds of police officers to Haiti as part of a broader effort to bring stability to the nation. The US sanctions are part of a larger push to disrupt illegal activities that contribute to humanitarian crises and political instability.

Martelly’s government has a long history of allegations of corruption, including the misappropriation of roughly $2 billion in aid from Venezuela. He was also sanctioned by the Canadian government in 2022 for allegedly profiting from armed gangs. A United Nations report from September 2023 highlighted his deep ties to political corruption and gang activities, contributing to the ongoing insecurity in Haiti.

Conclusion

The US sanctions against Michel Martelly are a critical step towards accountability and justice in Haiti. By targeting political figures linked to drug trafficking and corruption, the US aims to disrupt the networks that fuel gang violence and instability. The international community continues to work together to bring peace and stability to Haiti, ensuring a safer and more secure future for its citizens.

“The United States, along with our international partners, is committed to disrupting those who facilitate the drug trafficking, corruption, and other illicit activities fueling the horrific gang violence and political instability,” Treasury Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley Smith said.