Canada sanctions Haitian gang leader Jimmy Chérizier over humanitarian crisis

Canada sanctioned Haitian gang leader Jimmy Chérizier on Monday, citing serious human rights abuses that are causing a humanitarian crisis, the foreign ministry said.

The actions against Cherizier, the leader of the so-called G9, an alliance of Haitian gangs, effectively freezes any assets he may hold in Canada and imposes a travel ban and arms embargo.

“Canada has reason to believe this individual has engaged in acts that threaten the peace, security, and stability of Haiti and has planned, directed, or committed acts that constitute serious human rights abuses,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Haiti’s gangs have expanded their power since the shocking 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, and Prime Minister Ariel Henry has faced difficulties in restoring order to the country.

1:12 Canada ‘extremely concerned’ with violence in Haiti, looking for more sanctions: Joly

The sanctions, which implement a U.N. Security Council sanctions resolution and build on earlier actions imposed by the United States and Canada, aim to stop the illegal flow of money and weapons into Haiti that help criminal gangs, the ministry said.

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“These gangs and their supporters terrorize vulnerable populations in Haiti with impunity, and are precipitating a humanitarian crisis in Haiti that includes the resurgence of cholera,” the Canadian foreign ministry said.

“They are committing unspeakable violence, including widespread sexual violence, against affected populations and impeding the delivery of critical services.

In September, gangs led by Cherizier blocked the entrance to the Varreux fuel terminal just outside the capital Port-au-Prince, to protest a government announcement to cut fuel subsidies.

Gasoline and diesel supplies have mostly dried up since then and Haitians also face a shortage of drinking water amid a deadly outbreak of cholera.

Meanwhile,  Prime Minister Ariel Henry dismissed Haiti’s justice minister, interior minister and its government commissioner in a fresh round of political upheaval on Monday.

Former Justice Minister Berto Dorce first fired Government Commissioner Jacques Lafontant on Henry’s orders before being ousted himself days later along with Interior Minister Liszt Quitel, according to documents that The Associated Press obtained on Monday.

— with files from The Associated Press