The European Union today announced targeted sanctions against three Haitian political figures and gang 5 Segond. At issue: their alleged involvement in the escalation of gang violence, serious human rights violations and the persistence of impunity in Haiti.
In an official communiqué, the Council of the European Union states that it has adopted restrictive measures against former President Michel Martelly, former President of the Senate Youri Latortue, former Senator Rony Célestin, and the gang « 5 Segond », directed by Johnson André, alias Izo. Brussels justifies this decision by increasing insecurity linked to armed gangs and the repeated violations of fundamental rights attributed to these actors.
According to the EU, Michel Martelly and Youri Latortue reportedly armed and financed several gangs in order to serve their political, personal and economic interests, while seeking to control strategic territories. Rony Célestin, for his part, is accused of being involved in violence linked to armed groups and smuggling, and of orchestrating the assassination of journalist Nehemiah Joseph, known for his investigations denouncing the corruption and illegal activities of the former senator.
The European Union allocates to the gang 5 A long list of crimes, including theft, rape, abduction, murder, piracy, extortion, obstruction of humanitarian aid, and trafficking in arms and drugs. Penalised persons and entities are subject to an asset freeze, a ban on receiving funds or economic resources from the EU and a travel ban in the European area.
These new designations add to an already extensive list of gang leaders sanctioned by the European Union, including Micanor Altès (Wharf Jérémie), Christ-Roi Chéry (Tibwa) and Jeff Larose (Canaan), targeted on 15 July 2025, as well as Jonel Catel (Black Land), Gabriel Jean Pierre (G-Pep) and Ferdens Tilus (Kokorat San Ras), sanctioned on 16 December 2024.
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