Overview:
Within the newest show of Washington’s energy over Haitian leaders, the U.S. introduced visa restrictions on two members of Haiti’s Presidential Council and their rapid households, alleging the pair have ties to gangs, after the CPT introduced plans to vary prime ministers.
PORT-AU-PRINCE — The U.S. Division of State introduced it would impose visa restrictions on two members of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), amid a combat over switching out Haiti’s prime minister because the momentary physique’s time period nears its finish date.
In a statement issued Jan. 25, United States officers mentioned the visa restrictions additionally apply to spouses and youngsters. The State Division didn’t determine the 2 council members however mentioned the choice was tied to their alleged function in supporting or defending gangs working in Haiti.
The State Division didn’t determine the 2 council members however mentioned the choice was tied to their alleged function in supporting or defending gangs working in Haiti. The visa restrictions, which apply to the spouses and youngsters of the councilors, had been imposed beneath INA 212(a)(3)(C), a U.S. immigration legislation that permits Washington to bar entry to international officers whose actions might have critical penalties for U.S. international coverage.
“These actions are being taken as a result of TPC members’ involvement within the operation of gangs and different prison organizations in Haiti,” mentioned State Division Spokesperson Tommy Pigott.
Additional, he accused the officers of interfering with the Haitian authorities’s efforts to confront gangs the U.S. has designated as Overseas Terrorist Organizations, which is a part of broader efforts to assist stability in Haiti and to carry political leaders accountable for gang violence within the nation.
Sanction follows earlier warnings to CPT
Days earlier than the visa restriction announcement got here down, Haiti’s CPT acquired intense stress from the worldwide neighborhood and inside its personal physique over eradicating Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. The CPT’s mandate runs till Feb. 7, prompting the U.S., Canada, the European Union and the Group of American States to publicly urge council members to not act so near the top of their mandate.
“These actions are being taken as a result of TPC members’ involvement within the operation of gangs and different prison organizations in Haiti, together with by means of interference with…Overseas Terrorist Organizations.”
Thomas Pigott, US State Division
Council members Leslie Voltaire, Edgard Leblanc, Louis Gérald Gilles, Fritz Alphonse Jean and Smith Augustin argued that changing the prime minister was needed to maneuver ahead with a nationwide dialogue forward of the submit–Feb. 7 transition. Throughout a Jan. 23 press convention, they introduced the appointment of a brand new interim prime minister, although the decree formalizing the choice has but to be revealed.
Now, three sitting council members have confronted U.S. sanctions, following motion taken towards Fritz Alphonse Jean in November 2025. On the time, the U.S. accused Jean of sustaining ties with armed gangs and contributing to Haiti’s destabilization. Jean denied the allegations, calling on U.S. authorities to supply proof towards him. He additionally mentioned he was being focused due to his opposition to Fils-Aimé.