Ex-President of Haiti Faces US Actions Amid Shocking Allegations

The United States has sanctioned former Haitian President Michel Martelly, intensifying focus on corruption and drug trafficking concerns within Haiti’s political sphere.

At a Glance

The U.S. Department of Treasury announced sanctions against former Haitian President Michel Joseph Martelly for allegations of drug trafficking.
Sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 14059, targeting global illicit drug trade participants.
Martelly is accused of facilitating the trafficking of dangerous drugs, laundering proceeds, and sponsoring gangs.
The U.S. aims to disrupt illicit activities contributing to violence and instability in Haiti.

U.S. Treasury Department’s Decisive Action

The U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned Michel Joseph Martelly, who served as Haiti’s president from 2011 to 2016, under Executive Order 14059. This executive order targets foreign persons involved in the global illicit drug trade and aims to counteract significant threats posed by drug trafficking and corruption.

“Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned the former President of Haiti, Michel Joseph Martelly (Martelly), pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059 of December 15, 2021, ‘Imposing Sanctions on Foreign Persons Involved in the Global Illicit Drug Trade,’” the U.S. Treasury Department said in a press release on Tuesday.

Martelly is alleged to have facilitated the trafficking of dangerous drugs, including cocaine, into the United States. According to the Treasury Department, his involvement has exacerbated Haiti’s political instability and gang violence. These sanctions are part of broader efforts to hold accountable those who contribute to such illicit activities.

Why not bring charges?
“The United States, along with our international partners, is committed to disrupting those who facilitate the drug trafficking, corruption, and other illicit activities fueling the horrific gang violence and political instability.” https://t.co/Qz1NWzhOG3

— Velina (@VelinaEC) August 20, 2024

Linking Drug Trafficking to Political Instability

Sanctions against Martelly include prohibitions on U.S. financial institutions from engaging in transactions with him, effectively freezing his U.S.-based assets and cutting off access to American markets. OFAC’s action reflects a significant step to dismantle the networks that have long corrupted Haiti’s political and economic systems.

Bradley T. Smith, Treasury Department’s acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, highlighted Martelly’s part in continuing Haiti’s crisis, stating, “Today’s action against Martelly emphasizes the significant and destabilizing role he and other corrupt political elites have played in perpetuating the ongoing crisis in Haiti.” The involvement of political and business elites in Haiti in drug trafficking has profoundly impacted the nation’s social order and governance.

Impact and Broader Implications

Martelly faces allegations beyond drug trafficking, including laundering drug proceeds and enabling gang violence. His government has been accused of corruption, involving the misappropriation of approximately $2 billion in aid from Venezuela. As a response, the U.S. and international stakeholders are committed to promoting a secure and accountable future for Haiti.

State Department official Vedant Patel reinforced this stance: “The sanctions are designed to promote accountability for all individuals whose activities contribute to gang violence and destabilize the political environment in Haiti, regardless of their rank or stature.”

US sanctions former Haitian president over drug traffickinghttps://t.co/u6wZZaQDnN pic.twitter.com/37v1iq80TZ

— Voice of America (@VOANews) August 21, 2024

Haiti’s Path Forward

The sanctions on Martelly are the latest in a series of steps to address the systemic issues plaguing Haiti. Following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, gang violence surged, displacing thousands and leading to numerous fatalities. The influx of Kenyan police officers, supported by the U.N., aims to restore order and stabilize the region.

The U.S. Treasury Department, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration, hopes these measures will result in positive behavioral change among Haiti’s political and criminal actors, promoting long-term stability and prosperity for the island nation.

“The United States, along with our international partners, is committed to disrupting those who facilitate the drug trafficking, corruption, and other illicit activities fueling the horrific gang violence and political instability,” said Undersecretary Smith.