US imposes visa restrictions on Haitian official accused of supporting criminal gangs

WASHINGTON, CMC – The United States says it is imposing visa restrictions on an unnamed Haitian government official for supporting gangs and other criminal organisations, as well as obstructing the Haitian government’s fight against terrorist gangs designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.

The Department of State said in a statement that the action is taken under INA 212, which “generally bars entrance to those whose entry or proposed activities have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.

“The Department will revoke any currently valid visas held by this individual,” said the State Department without identifying the official.

It said this policy, first announced in October 2022, targets individuals and their family members who provide financial or material support to gangs and criminal organisations operating in Haiti.

“The United States remains committed to supporting Haiti’s stability and expects measurable progress toward free and fair elections. The Haitian people have had enough with gang violence, destruction, and political infighting,” said the State Department, adding, “the Trump administration will promote accountability for those who continue to destabilize Haiti and our region”.

Last month, the United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Dimitri Herard for his support of the Haitian gang coalition, Viv Ansanm.

OFAC also said it “designated” Kempes Sanon, leader of the Bel Air gang, one of the constituent gangs in the Viv Ansanm alliance.

OFAC said Viv Ansanm contributes to the violence and instability within Haiti and that the action “underscores the critical role of gang leaders and facilitators like Herard and Sanon, whose support enables Viv Ansanm’s campaign of violence, extortion, and terrorism in Haiti.

“The United States is committed to holding accountable the violent terrorist gangs that endanger the Haitian people.”

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