(Le Floridien) — The Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) of the US Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on former Haitian president Michel Joseph Martelly, accusing him of facilitating drug trafficking and playing a major role in the ongoing destabilization of Haiti. Martelly, who is attempting a return to the Haitian music scene, is now under intense scrutiny as the U.S. Treasury Department reveals his deep connections to the drug trade and criminal networks.
In a scathing statement, the Treasury Department outlined how Martelly “abused his influence to facilitate the trafficking of dangerous drugs, including cocaine, destined for the United States.” The department further disclosed that Martelly worked closely with Haitian drug traffickers, sponsored multiple violent gangs, and engaged in the laundering of illicit drug proceeds. His actions, they say, have exacerbated Haiti’s political and social crises.
“Today’s action against Martelly emphasizes the significant and destabilizing role he and other corrupt political elites have played in perpetuating the ongoing crisis in Haiti,” said Bradley Smith, Treasury’s Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. “The United States, along with our international partners, is committed to disrupting those who facilitate the drug trafficking, corruption, and other illicit activities fueling the horrific gang violence and political instability.”
The sanctions freeze any of Martelly’s U.S. assets and generally prohibit Americans from engaging in business with him. This move underscores the grave implications of his actions on a nation already teetering on the brink.
In light of the U.S. Department of Treasury sanctions against the former president, it appears that any Haitian American music promoter seeking to work with the popular musician could potentially violate the U.S. Treasury regulations.
Despite the U.S. government’s actions, many remain doubtful about its commitment to sanctioning the former Haitian president. Critics note that those targeted by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, have the right to petition for removal from the sanctions list. The former president, through legal representation, could formally request his name be taken off the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list. If Martelly believes the sanctions are unjust, he can appeal to OFAC for reconsideration.
As Martelly seeks to rekindle his music career, his shadowy past and involvement in drug trafficking highlight the dangerous path he has carved, one that continues to sow chaos and suffering in Haiti.
In his bid to reenter the Haitian music scene, former president Michel Martelly, also known as “Sweet Micky,” recently performed at The Kartz Restaurant in North Miami and Hollywood Live in Hollywood, Florida. His latest performance featured a collaboration with the Haiti-based band Kreyol La. Notably, just two days before the Hollywood Live event, former senator Edo Zenny, a relative of Kreyol La’s leader TiJo Zenny, was spotted at a Walmart in Miramar. The event, held last Saturday, appeared to draw a loyal contingent of Sweet Micky supporters, some of whom traveled specifically to attend.
Haiti’s crisis is severe: gang wars have displaced over 578,000 people, while nearly 5 million—almost half the country’s population of 11.7 million—are facing acute hunger. Of these, 1.6 million are at risk of starvation, according to the United Nations. The armed gangs, many of which are reportedly backed by Martelly, have formed a broad alliance, carrying out widespread killings, ransom kidnappings, and sexual violence, further destabilizing the nation.
