Surprising, but not surprising. The United States has finally decided to drop its colt Michel Martelly, who has just joined the long list of Haitian bad actors sanctioned for their involvement in drug trafficking in Haiti, destabilization and other illicit activities.
Although it was an open secret, the news nevertheless came as a thunderclap in Haiti.
On August 20, 2024, the United States officially named former Haitian President Michel Martelly for his role in the global illicit drug trade, according to a statement by Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesman for the U.S. State Department. The designation highlights Martelly’s involvement in drug trafficking and his support for violent gangs in Haiti, a situation that has exacerbated political instability and insecurity in the country.
Martelly is accused of abusing his political influence to facilitate drug trafficking and of sponsoring several gangs operating in Haiti. These activities have not only exacerbated the violence in the country, but have also contributed to a political crisis that is seriously affecting the Haitian people, the US State Department said.
“Today’s action demonstrates the United States’ unwavering commitment to promoting accountability for all individuals whose activities contribute to gang violence and destabilize the political environment in Haiti, regardless of rank or stature,” said Vedant Patel, underscoring the U.S. commitment to fighting corruption and drug trafficking in Haiti.
With this latest addition, Michel Martelly joins a long list containing more than twenty alleged criminals who have fallen under US sanctions. Other alleged criminals and dangerous criminals on the list include: André Johnson aka Izo, Jimmy Chérizier aka Barbecue, Gary Bodeau, Rony Célestin, Renel Destina, Joseph Pierre Richard Duplan, Hervé Fourcand, Vitel’homme Innocent, Wilson Joseph, Joseph Lambert, Youri Latortue, and Joseph Fednel Monchery, according to the list available on the US Treasury Department website.
The U.S. decision to sanction these bad faith actors in Haiti is part of the implementation of the resolution adopted by the United Nations in 2022. Canada had already begun implementing this resolution by publishing the names of over thirty alleged criminals, including:
– André Apaid (businessman)
– Arnel Bélizaire (former Member of Parliament)
– Berto Dorcé (former minister)
– Carl Braun (businessman)
– Charles Saint-Rémy (businessman)
– Gilbert Bigio (businessman)
– Gracia Delva (former senator and deputy)
– Hervé Fourcand (former senator)
– Jean Marie Vorbe (businessman)
– Jean-Henry Céant (former prime minister)
– Jimmy Cherizier alias Barbecue (gang leader)
– Jocelerme Privert (former President of the Republic)
– Johnson André alias Izo 5 secondes (gang leader)
– Joseph Lambert (former Senator)
– Joseph Wilson alias Lanmò San Jou (gang leader)
– Laurent Salvador Lamothe (former Prime Minister)
– Liszt Quitel (former minister)
– Marc Antoine Acra (businessman)
– Michel Joseph Martelly (former President of the Republic)
– Nenel Cassy (former senator)
– Prophane Victor (former deputy)
– Reynold Deeb (businessman)
– Salim Succar (businessman)
– Sherif Abdallah (businessman)
– Steeve Khawly (businessman)
– Vitel’homme Innocent (gang leader)
– Youri Latortue (former senator)
The reasons for the sanctions range from destabilization to the financing of armed gangs and drug trafficking. The sanctions were adopted in accordance with United Nations Resolution 2653 of October 21, 2022. This resolution, adopted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, establishes a comprehensive sanctions regime targeting individuals and entities responsible for acts that threaten the peace, security and stability of Haiti.
This is not the first time that the United States has taken action against Haitian political figures. For several years now, Washington has been closely monitoring developments in Haiti, where gang violence and political instability have plunged the country into a critical situation. The actions undertaken are aimed at restoring order and supporting the Haitian people in their quest for a more stable and prosperous future, according to the State Department.
It is important to note that, despite the publication of the list of Haitian personalities by several countries, no legal proceedings have been taken against the alleged criminals by the Haitian authorities. Haiti had approved United Nations Resolution 2653 on October 21, 2022.
US sanctions: Michel Martelly indexed by Washington for drug trafficking and other offences
