US Sanctions Haitian Council Member as Political Tensions and Gang Violence Rise

The United States has placed visa restrictions on Fritz Alphonse Jean, a well-known economist and member of Haiti’s transitional presidential council. 

Washington accuses him of supporting criminal networks in a country already struggling with deep insecurity. 

Jean confirmed on Tuesday that he was the official targeted, but strongly denied the allegations, calling them an attempt to influence Haiti’s political decisions.

Haiti is expected to choose new leaders by February 7, the date when the transitional council’s mandate ends. 

However, disagreements over the direction of the government have fueled suspicion among the public and foreign partners. 

Some critics claim that certain members of the council want to stretch their time in power and install a new prime minister who would help them stay in control beyond the deadline.

Jean rejected those claims, saying he wants leadership that is willing to confront gangs and clean up corruption. 

According to him, pressure began when discussions started about replacing the current prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. 

He said council members received warnings about visa cancellations from diplomats, including officials from the U.S. and Canada. 

Jean argued that such threats show foreign powers are trying to shape Haiti’s political decisions.

He insisted that his intentions are straightforward: to support a government that can fight criminal groups, stop the spread of weapons, and prevent powerful individuals from capturing the state for personal gain. Neither U.S. nor Canadian officials responded to the accusations.

Haiti’s security situation continues to worsen. Armed groups control most of the capital and large parts of the central region. 

They regularly extort businesses, block roads, kill civilians and fight each other for control. The violence is so severe that the country’s main international airport has been forced to close several times over the past year. 

On Sunday, Sunrise Airways, the only airline offering domestic and international flights, suspended service because it could no longer guarantee safety.

The U.S. has repeatedly warned that anyone standing in the way of Haiti’s political progress could face consequences. 

Last week, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau posted on social media that gang warfare and political infighting must stop, adding that obstructing the path to stability could lead to sanctions.

Later on Tuesday, Jean held a press briefing where he shared messages he said came from unidentified individuals urging him to stop pushing for the removal of the prime minister. 

One message advised him not to “test U.S. resolve.” Jean also criticized the prime minister for failing to improve security, strengthen governance, or organize elections.

While most council members stayed away from the briefing, one—Leslie Voltaire—attended in support. 

Former Prime Minister Claude Joseph also publicly backed Jean, saying no Haitian leader should accept threats from foreign governments.

With no firm election dates and continued violence, many doubt that Haiti can meet the February deadline. 

The electoral council has proposed holding votes in August and December next year, but the country has not had an election in nearly ten years.