US Imposes Sanctions on Haiti’s Former President Michel Martelly

Michel Martelly, former President of Haiti, seen here in 2011.
Photo by Ben Edwards/USAID

Sanctions Imposed Over Drug Trafficking Allegations

The United States Treasury has imposed sanctions on Haiti’s former president, Michel Joseph Martelly, over drug trafficking allegations. The sanctions were announced in a memo by the US Treasury department, which accused Martelly of having played a significant role in setting up the current crisis in Haiti, which is beset with heavily-armed gangs carrying illegal weapons.

Background on Martelly

Michel Joseph Martelly is a Haitian Kompa musician and politician who was the President of Haiti from May 2011 until February 2016. The United States has sanctioned the former president for trafficking drugs, in particular cocaine, into the United States, and for sponsoring several gangs based in Haiti.

Sanctions and Consequences

The sanctions mean that Martelly will no longer be able to make any transactions involving US financial institutions, and presumably not permitted to enter the United States. Martelly was one of Haiti’s best-known musicians for over a decade, going by the stage name Sweet Micky. For business and musical reasons, Martelly has moved a number of times between the United States and Haiti.

Statement from the US Treasury Department

The U.S. Treasury Department in a statement said Martelly “abused his influence to facilitate the trafficking of dangerous drugs, including cocaine, destined for the United States.” The department said he also worked with Haitian drug traffickers, sponsored multiple gangs and engaged in the laundering of illicit drug proceeds.

Consequences of the Crisis

Gang wars have displaced more than 578,000 Haitians, while nearly 5 million — almost half the population of 11.7 million — face acute hunger, with 1.6 million of those people at risk of starvation, the United Nations says. Armed gangs have formed a broad alliance while carrying out widespread killings, ransom kidnappings and sexual violence.

Conclusion

The US Treasury’s sanctions against Michel Martelly are a significant step in disrupting the illegal activities that have destabilized Haiti. The international community must continue to work together to address the root causes of the crisis and bring relief to the people of Haiti.

FAQs

Q: What are the sanctions imposed on Michel Martelly?
A: The sanctions freeze any of Martelly’s U.S. assets and generally bar Americans from dealing with him.

Q: What is the reason for the sanctions?
A: The sanctions are imposed over drug trafficking allegations, accusing Martelly of having played a significant role in setting up the current crisis in Haiti.

Q: What is the current situation in Haiti?
A: The country is beset with heavily-armed gangs carrying illegal weapons, leading to widespread violence, displacement, and hunger.

Q: What is the international community doing to address the crisis?
A: The United States, along with its 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.