US Sanctions Ex-Haitian President Michel Martelly Amid Drug Trafficking Accusations

The US has imposed sanctions on former Haitian President Michel Joseph Martelly due to allegations of his involvement in drug trafficking and gang sponsorships. The US Treasury highlights the corrupt role of political elites in Haiti's ongoing crisis. Kenyan police under a UN mission are now actively combating gang violence in the region.

The US on Tuesday imposed sanctions on ex-Haitian President Michel Joseph Martelly, following allegations of facilitating drug trafficking and supporting gangs contributing to instability in Haiti.

Bradley T. Smith, acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, emphasized the destabilizing role Martelly and other corrupt elites have played in Haiti's ongoing crisis. Meanwhile, the Caribbean nation is engulfed in gang violence, with peaceful protesters tear-gassed by police as they urge law enforcement to curb gang control over neighborhoods.

UN-backed, hundreds of Kenyan police officers have arrived in Haiti to address gang violence. A July UN report cites that gang violence since March has displaced over 300,000 children, who are now living in poor hygienic conditions, risking disease. Martelly, president from 2011 to 2016, was also sanctioned by Canada in 2022 for financing gangs. Additionally, a Haitian judge issued an arrest warrant for Martelly and over 30 officials on corruption charges in January.

State Department official Vedant Patel stated the sanctions aim to hold accountable those contributing to gang violence and political instability in Haiti, regardless of their rank. The US invoked a December 2021 executive order targeting drug trade involvement to justify the sanctions. Efforts to reach Martelly for comment were unsuccessful.

(With inputs from agencies.)