The European Union Imposes New Sanctions Against Political Figures in Haiti

The European Union strengthened, this Thursday, its sanctions regime against three Haitian figures and a criminal entity, due to their alleged involvement in the escalation of gang violence and in serious human rights violations affecting the country.

Among those targeted are Michel Martelly, former President of the Republic of Haiti, and Youri Latortue, former president of the National Assembly, senator, political advisor, and founder of the Ayiti An Aksyon (AAA) political party. According to the EU Council, these two men allegedly armed and financed several gangs to serve their political, personal, and economic interests, while seeking to control certain territories.

The Council also sanctioned Rony Celestin, a former Haitian senator, accused of involvement in acts of violence linked to armed groups and smuggling networks. He is notably held responsible for the assassination of journalist Néhémie Joseph, known for having denounced his illegal activities and acts of corruption.

The targeted entity is the “5 Segond” gang, based in the Village-de-Dieu neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. Considered one of the most powerful criminal groups in the capital, it is accused of theft, rape, kidnapping, murder, acts of piracy, extortion, obstruction of humanitarian aid, as well as arms and drug trafficking.

The designated individuals and entity are now subject to an asset freeze within the European Union. European nationals and entities are also prohibited from making funds or economic resources available to them, directly or indirectly. The individuals concerned are also subject to a travel ban to the EU.

These measures are part of the sanctions regime revised by the European Council on July 28, 2023, allowing the EU to autonomously impose sanctions against any person or entity threatening peace, security, stability, democracy, or the rule of law in Haiti. This mechanism complements the sanctions adopted by the United Nations Security Council since October 2022.

In its conclusions of October 17, 2024, the European Council had already expressed its deep concern about the situation in Haiti and called for additional targeted sanctions to contribute to the restoration of peace and stability in the country.

The European Union also reaffirms its lasting commitment to Haiti, through support aimed at strengthening the state's institutional capacities and improving the population's access to essential public services. This aid includes macroeconomic assistance as well as programs in the fields of education, food security, nutrition, disaster risk management, and security reinforcement, particularly for the benefit of the Haitian National Police.

Facing an alarming security and humanitarian crisis, the EU affirms its desire to continue playing an active role, in coordination with its regional and international partners, to help Haiti confront one of the most critical periods in its recent history.