Canada sanctions 3 individuals for undermining security, stability in Haiti

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - Canada imposed sanctions on three individuals accused of undermining peace, security and stability in gang violence-ridden Haiti, according to a Foreign Ministry statement on Friday.

Foreign Minister Melanie Joly "announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Haiti) Regulations to address the deteriorating political, security and humanitarian situation in Haiti, which has been exacerbated by the actions of the targeted individuals," said the statement.

The sanctions target Dimitri Herard, Jeantel Joseph and Jeff Larose for allegedly committing "acts that undermine the peace, security and stability of Haiti."

The sanctioned individuals will be barred from entering Canada, their assets in Canada will be frozen, and Canadians, both domestically and abroad, will be prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.

"Canada remains committed to supporting Haiti and its people. We urge the international community to stand with Canada in holding accountable those who fuel violence and instability in Haiti," Joly said in the statement.

Haiti has been grappling with a wave of gang violence in recent years, worsened by the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021.

Violent gangs control up to 80% of Port-au-Prince and terrorize the population through killings, kidnappings and raping, and there seems to be no end in sight.

Haiti’s national police has about 9,000 officers to provide security for more than 11 million people, according to the UN.