Washington, Jan. 26. The U.S. State Department announced on Sunday the revocation of visas for two members of Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), as well as their family members, due to their alleged involvement with 'gangs and other criminal organizations' in the Caribbean country. 'These actions are taken due to the involvement of CPT members in the operations of gangs and other criminal organizations in Haiti, including interference with the efforts of the Government of Haiti to combat gangs designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) by the United States,' stated the deputy principal spokesperson, Tommy Pigott, in a press release. According to the State Department, the individuals affected are two members of the CPT and their direct family members, spouses, and children. The text emphasizes that the United States 'maintains its commitment to supporting the stability of Haiti and collaborating with Haitian authorities to combat gang violence in the country.' 'The Haitian people are fed up with gang violence, destruction, and internal political struggles. The Trump Administration will promote accountability for those who continue to destabilize Haiti and the region,' the press release concludes. The CPT, composed of representatives from political parties, civil society, and the private sector, was installed in April 2024 after the Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, who took office following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, 2021, announced his resignation in March of that year amidst an unprecedented offensive by the armed gang coalition Vivre Ensemble (Live Together), led by the powerful Jimmy Chérizier, alias 'Barbecue'. Haiti remains on edge awaiting the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), whose mandate expires on February 7, to make a final decision on the future of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, after this body initiated mechanisms for his removal despite the rejection of the international community. The last presidential elections were held in November 2016, when Jovenel Moïse was elected, who was assassinated by mercenaries at his residence in 2021; therefore, the country has no authorities elected at the polls. After several postponements, authorities have scheduled the first round of presidential elections for August 30, 2026, and the second for December 6.
