Canada announces sanctions against three additional people in connection with the crisis in Haiti.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that these members of the Haitian political elite “provide illicit financial and operational support to armed gangs”.
They are Senator Rony Célestin, former Senator Hervé Fourcand and former President of the Chamber of Deputies, Gary Bodeau.
The President of the Senate in Haiti, Joseph Lambert, and his predecessor, Youri Latortue, had already been subject to similar sanctions earlier this month.
Ottawa imposes a ban on transactions on these three other people, which will have the effect of freezing any assets they may hold in Canada.
Money laundering and corruption are mentioned.
“Canada continues to pressure armed gangs and their supporters to help the people of Haiti emerge from this crisis and restore peace and security to their country. We will consider the imposition of new sanctions against individuals and entities in Haiti as well as other measures to end the persistent violence,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly.
Ottawa recalls that Haiti is experiencing a humanitarian crisis, as gangs and their supporters terrorize vulnerable populations. Cholera has reappeared there. Acts of violence, especially sexual violence, are legion.
In addition to these three former or current public office holders, and Messrs. Lambert and Latortue, similar sanctions targeted a Haitian gang leader on Monday.