News|Donald TrumpUS sanctions ex-police officer, gang leader in Haiti over criminal tiesThe UN Security Council also sanctioned the two men and extended an arms embargo on Haiti in place since 2022.
The United States Treasury has imposed sanctions on two Haitian individuals, Dimitri Herard and Kempes Sanon, for their involvement with the Viv Ansanm criminal alliance. Herard is identified as a former police officer, while Sanon is described as an…
The United States Treasury has imposed sanctions on two Haitian individuals, Dimitri Herard and Kempes Sanon, for their involvement with the Viv Ansanm criminal alliance. Herard is identified as a former police officer, while Sanon is described as an alleged gang leader.
The sanctions effectively block the two individuals from accessing any assets or property within the United States. Additionally, entities based in the United States are prohibited from engaging in any transactions with them.
The US Office of Foreign Assets Control highlighted the significant role played by Herard and Sanon in supporting Viv Ansanm's activities of violence, extortion, and terrorism in Haiti.
Since 2021, following the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, Haiti has experienced a power vacuum that has been exploited by criminal organizations. Viv Ansanm, a coalition of gangs primarily based in Port-au-Prince, is one of the most influential groups.
Herard is identified as a former police officer, while Sanon is described as an alleged gang leader.
Reports indicate that gangs have gained substantial control over the capital, with approximately 90 percent of the territory under their influence. This has resulted in the displacement of nearly 1.4 million people, a 36 percent increase from the previous year. In addition, over 5,600 individuals were reported killed, with a further 2,212 injured.
Additional Measures and International Response
The United Nations Security Council has also mirrored the US sanctions against Herard and Sanon, extending its arms embargo on Haiti initiated in 2022. In September, the Council approved the formation of a "gang suppression force" with a 12-month mandate to collaborate with Haitian police and military forces. This force is anticipated to include 5,550 personnel and will succeed a Kenyan-led mission aimed at reinforcing Haiti's security forces.
The US administration, however, expressed concerns that the UN's measures are insufficient, urging for further designations against individuals contributing to the instability in Haiti. The US continues to advocate for comprehensive sanctions lists to enhance accountability.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
