Rita Odafe
Michel Martelly
The U.S. Treasury Department has announced sanctions against Michel Martelly, a former Haitian President, for his alleged involvement in drug trafficking, including cocaine destined for the United States.
Martelly, who served as president of Haiti from 2011 to 2016 and was formerly a popular musician, is accused of using his political influence to aid drug trafficking activities.
The U.S. Treasury alleges that Martelly not only facilitated the trafficking of dangerous drugs but also took part in money laundering of illegal drug profits and collaborated with local drug traffickers and supported various gangs in Haiti.
This move by the U.S. aligns with sanctions imposed by the Canadian government in 2022 against Martelly and two former Haitian prime ministers for their alleged ties to armed gangs. These actions reflect global concerns regarding the involvement of political figures in Haiti’s ongoing crisis.
Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, has been grappling with rising gang violence, especially in the capital city of Port-au-Prince, where criminal organizations now dominate around 80% of the area.
Amidst reports of widespread violence, including threats of violence and abduction for money, Haiti faces severe political, social, and economic instability.
The situation worsened in February, leading to the resignation of then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry under pressure from armed factions. In a bid to restore stability, hundreds of Kenyan police officers have been dispatched to Haiti as part of international efforts.
Commenting on the sanctions, Bradley Smith, the Treasury’s acting under-secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, highlighted Martelly’s role in exacerbating the crisis, emphasizing the U.S. government’s commitment to holding accountable those who contribute to gang violence and destabilization in Haiti.
U.S. State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel echoed this stance, reiterating the U.S.’s determination to promote accountability for individuals fueling gang violence and political instability in Haiti, regardless of their status.
