US imposes sanctions on former Haiti President Martelly over drug trafficking

The U.S. Treasury Department announced on Tuesday, August 20, that it would impose sanctions on Michel Martelly, a former president of Haiti, for his alleged involvement in drug trafficking, including cocaine, destined for the United States.

Martelly, who was president of Haiti from 2011 to 2016 and was previously a popular musician, is accused of abusing his political influence to facilitate the trafficking of dangerous drugs.

According to the U.S. Treasury Department, Martelly also laundered proceeds from illegal drug trafficking and worked with local drug traffickers. He also supported several gangs based in Haiti.

The U.S. action mirrors similar sanctions imposed by the Canadian government in 2022 on Martelly and two former Haitian prime ministers accused of profiting from the activities of armed gangs. The sanctions reflect growing international concern about the role of political elites in Haiti’s ongoing crisis.

Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, has been plagued by rising gang violence, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince, where criminal groups now control about 80% of the city. Residents have reported widespread violence, including threats of murder, rape and kidnapping for ransom, as the country struggles with severe political, social and economic instability.

The situation in Haiti deteriorated further in February, leading to the resignation of then Prime Minister Ariel Henry under pressure from armed groups. In response to the escalating crisis, hundreds of police officers from Kenya were deployed to Haiti as part of an international effort to restore stability.

“Today’s action against Martelly underscores the significant and destabilizing role he and other corrupt political elites have played in perpetuating the ongoing crisis in Haiti,” said Bradley Smith, the Treasury Department’s acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. He added that the sanctions underscore the U.S. government’s commitment to holding accountable those who contribute to gang violence and the destabilization of the political climate in Haiti.

Vedant Patel, deputy spokesman for the US State Department, echoed this position, saying the sanctions demonstrate the United States’ “unwavering determination to hold accountable all individuals whose activities contribute to gang violence and destabilize the political environment in Haiti, regardless of rank or status.”