The U.S. has imposed sanctions on former Haitian President, Michel Joseph Martelly, for allegedly facilitating drug trafficking into the country and supporting gangs that are contributing to instability in Haiti.
According to Treasury Department’s Bradley T. Smith, this action underscores the role corrupt political elites, including Martelly, have played in perpetuating the crisis in Haiti.
Haiti is currently facing severe gang violence, with protesters calling for police intervention to stop the gangs from seizing control of neighborhoods.
Haiti has received assistance from Kenyan police officers as part of a U.N.-backed mission to address the gang issues in the country.
A recent United Nations report revealed that more than 300,000 children in Haiti have been displaced due to gang violence since March, leading to poor living conditions and health risks.
Martelly, who was president from 2011 to 2016, was previously sanctioned by the Canadian government for financing gangs.
In January, an arrest warrant was issued for Martelly and other officials on corruption charges related to misappropriation of funds in Haiti.
The U.S. sanctions aim to promote accountability for individuals involved in destabilizing activities in Haiti, citing a December 2021 executive order as the legal basis.
Martelly could not be reached for comment regarding the sanctions.
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