Ottawa sanctions Haitian ‘political elites’ for alleged collusion with gangs – National

On Friday, the federal government sanctioned two « Haitian political elites » suspected of authorizing gangs that have rocked the Caribbean nation.

Haiti is currently facing multiple crises and has been unstable since the 2021 assassination of former President Jovenel Moise. Quality of life began to seriously decline in September, when Haitian gangs jammed a gas depot, leading to fuel shortages in the country.

The Haitian government has turned to Canada for help in ending gang violence. As Ottawa considers its next steps, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said Canada is targeting prominent Haitians, alongside the United States, with sanctions.

Those sanctioned on Friday were Joseph Lambert, president of Haiti’s Senate, and Youri Latortue, former president of the Senate. The new measures impose a transaction ban on them, effectively freezing any assets they may have in Canada, the government said.

« Canada has reason to believe that these individuals are using their status as former or current public office holders to protect and enable the illegal activities of armed criminal gangs, including through money laundering and other acts of corruption. « Ottawa said in a news release.

“The sanctions against these individuals are intended to stop the flow of illicit funds and weapons to weaken and neutralize criminal gangs. The Government of Canada will consider other sanctions against other individuals and entities, as well as other measures to put pressure on those responsible for the violence and insecurity in Haiti.

More soon.

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