The United States has taken a decisive step in its efforts to combat criminal activities in Haiti by imposing visa sanctions on a high-ranking Haitian government official. The US State Department announced the move on Monday, accusing the unnamed official of supporting gangs and obstructing efforts to dismantle criminal organizations in the Caribbean nation. While the official’s identity and the specific gangs involved were not disclosed, the department confirmed that any existing visas held by the individual would be revoked. This action underscores Washington’s commitment to addressing the ongoing instability in Haiti, which has been plagued by gang violence, political turmoil, and economic hardship. In May, the US designated two Haitian gangs, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif, as terrorist organizations. The State Department reiterated its support for Haiti’s stability and emphasized the need for progress toward free and fair elections. The announcement follows recent arrests of prominent Haitian businessmen, including Dmitri Vorbe and Pierre Reginald Boulos, who were accused of contributing to the country’s destabilization. Haiti, the poorest nation in the Americas, has faced escalating violence since early 2024, when gangs forced then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign. The US sanctions highlight the international community’s growing concern over Haiti’s security crisis and its impact on regional stability.
