The government, through Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’Oei, has revealed its stance after the United States government officially designated two of Haiti’s most notorious gangs, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif, as Foreign Terrorist Organisations.
In a statement on Sunday evening, Sing’Oei welcomed the move, saying it was a significant step in ending the long-standing gang violence in Haiti.
"This designation of Haitian gangs as Foreign Terrorist Organisations is an important step in strengthening efforts aimed at stabilising Haiti," the PS said.
On Saturday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced there would be deliberate efforts from the US to end the escalating violence and instability in Haiti, marking a significant shift in Washington’s approach to the crisis in the Caribbean nation.
"Today, I am announcing the State Department’s designation of Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as Foreign Terrorist Organisations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. The age of impunity for those supporting violence in Haiti is over," Rubio announced in a statement.
According to the US, the Viv Ansanm coalition and Gran Grif groups were primarily responsible for instability in Haiti and posed a direct threat to US national security interests.
A warning was subsequently issued to US citizens and lawful permanent residents who were supporting Haitian gangs by providing material support. Rubio asserted that such elements would face serious sanctions as the US aims to choke off the financial and logistical lifelines that sustain the gangs’ operations.
"Engaging in transactions with members of these groups entails risk in relation to counterterrorism sanctions authorities, not only for Haitians but also for US lawful permanent residents and US citizens. Individuals and entities providing material support or resources to Viv Ansanm or Gran Grif could face criminal charges and inadmissibility or removal from the United States," the statement went on.
Kenya, which has been at the forefront of the battle against gangs in Haiti, was commended by the US for its efforts in trying to restore order in the war-stricken country, whose battles have seen thousands displaced, while thousands of others have lost their lives.
In April, there were hints that the US was reconsidering its cautious approach to the war in Haiti. A statement from the US Department of State at the time emphasised its support for efforts to stabilise the Caribbean nation amid threats from criminal gangs.
US Ambassador to the United Nations, Dorothy Shea, also recently assured the council that the US government was determined to help Haiti restore peace.
The American ambassador proposed the imposition of UN asset freezes and travel bans on gang leaders and their facilitators.
