Can't read it? Listen now!
The Haitian government is taking steps to investigate individuals sanctioned by the United States, Canada, and the United Nations, as part of a broader effort to address the country’s ongoing security crisis.
On Monday, Leslie Voltaire, president of the Presidential Transition Council (CPT), announced that Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils Aimé has been instructed to gather and review all available evidence against those accused of financing gangs, engaging in corruption, and undermining national stability.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Voltaire made it clear that the government intends to pursue legal actionagainst those responsible for Haiti’s insecurity.
“The government will take all necessary measures to investigate and prosecute. The state will act firmly to bring to justice those who undermine Haiti’s security and stability,” Voltaire stated.
He also called on the public to remain vigilant against potential manipulation and destabilization efforts, urging citizens to avoid falling into the “trap of gangs and those who serve their interests.”
International Sanctions and Local Response
Since December 2020, the U.S., Canada, and the UN Security Council have imposed financial and travel sanctionson Haitian politicians, business figures, and gang leaders accused of fueling the country’s crisis. These sanctions include:
- Asset freezes
- Visa revocations
- Travel bans
- International arrest notices
Despite these measures, Haitian authorities have not previously launched formal prosecutions against sanctioned individuals at the national level. Voltaire’s latest announcement signals a potential shift toward holding these figures accountable within Haiti’s legal system.
While the government has made its intentions clear, several key details remain uncertain. Voltaire did not specify how long the Prime Minister has to compile and review evidence or when formal charges might be filed.
Additionally, it is unclear whether the Haitian government will seek international cooperation in enforcing legal action or rely solely on domestic judicial procedures. The move also comes amid worsening gang violence and political instability, with many Haitians questioning whether this effort will lead to tangible results or become entangled in bureaucracy.
