Background on Key Figures and Their Influence
The European Union (EU) has extended its sanctions against Haiti for another year, until July 2026, and added three leaders of criminal organizations to its “black list.” These leaders are accused of child recruitment, homicide, kidnapping, and sexual violence, contributing to the escalating violence and severe human rights violations in Haiti.
Micanor Altès, the leader of the Wharf Jérémie band; Christ-Roi Chéry, the leader of the Ti Bwa band; and Jeff Larose, head of the Canaan band, are the newly sanctioned individuals. The EU Council attributes these leaders’ actions to the violence perpetrated by criminal bands, which threaten Haiti’s peace, stability, and security.
Details of the Sanctions
As is customary with EU restrictions, those sanctioned are subject to asset freezing and travel bans to the European Union.
“Haiti’s dangerous crisis continues to worsen. The EU imposes new sanctions on individuals involved in mass killings, forced child recruitment, kidnappings, homicides, and sexual violence and gender-based violence,” stated Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Policy. She emphasized that Haiti requires “urgent” support from the international community.
Impact on Haiti
The EU’s decision to renew sanctions and include these criminal leaders aims to address the escalating violence and human rights abuses in Haiti. The country has been grappling with political instability, gang warfare, and widespread poverty. The actions of these sanctioned leaders have exacerbated the situation, leading to increased insecurity and suffering for Haitian citizens.
By targeting these individuals and their organizations, the EU seeks to disrupt their criminal activities, including child recruitment and sexual violence. The sanctions also aim to pressure these leaders into ceasing their involvement in destabilizing activities and encourage them to cooperate with efforts to restore peace and stability in Haiti.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the newly sanctioned leaders in Haiti? Micanor Altès, Christ-Roi Chéry, and Jeff Larose, leaders of the Wharf Jérémie, Ti Bwa, and Canaan bands, respectively.
- What are these leaders accused of? They are accused of child recruitment, homicide, kidnapping, and sexual violence, contributing to the escalating violence and human rights abuses in Haiti.
- What are the consequences of these sanctions? Sanctioned individuals face asset freezing and travel bans to the European Union.
- What is the EU’s objective in imposing these sanctions? The EU aims to disrupt criminal activities, encourage peace and stability, and pressure leaders to cease destabilizing actions in Haiti.
