The US Department of Finance announced Friday, November 4 the establishment of sanctions directly targeting two Haitian politicians, including the current president of the Senate, accused of having “actively contributed” to drug trafficking transiting through the Caribbean island.
Joseph Lambert is simply the current president of the Haitian Senate. Youri Latortue, a former senator, preceded him between 2017 and 2018. According to the US Treasury Department, the two men took advantage of their position to facilitate drug trafficking, and in particular cocaine, between Colombia and their country. They are also accused of having collaborated with the gangs which currently hold a good part of the country in the grip of a very serious security, political and economic crisis.
The sanctions decided by the US Treasury Department consist of a freeze on their assets and properties in the United States, but also in Canada, reports our correspondent in Washington, Guillaume Naudin. The action is indeed coordinated with this country where the Haitian community is very established. In addition, in a separate statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken accuses Joseph Lambert of being behind an extrajudicial execution. He also punishes him. He and his wife are now prohibited from traveling to the United States. Antony Blinken spoke about the situation in Haiti last week during a moving to Canada with his counterpart Mélanie Joly. This announces other sanctions to come.
Paralyzed country
These penalties make it clear that the United States is committed to holding accountable and imposing consequences on those who are behind the violence and unrest in the country said White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.
Haiti is almost completely paralyzed by armed gangs who have imposed roadblocks on several essential axes as well as at the entrance, since mid-September, of the main oil terminal in the countrycausing fuel and drinking water restrictions.
Law enforcement on Wednesday launched an operation to regain control of the terminal, an operation that continued on Thursday to clear surrounding roads after the terminal was retaken.
The island has plunged into deep instability since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 by an armed commando.
(And with AFP)