U.S. Sanctions Former Haitian Lawmaker for Arming Gangs Sowing Terror in the Country

The Biden administration has imposed sanctions on a former Haitian lawmaker and political leader for his involvement in forming and supporting gangs that have contributed to widespread violence and human rights abuses in the country.

Prophane Victor, a former member of Haiti's Lower House of Deputies, is accused of helping to fuel gang-related terror in the Artibonite region, a key agricultural area in the country. The U.S. Treasury Department stated that Victor played a significant role in arming gangs, perpetuating violence and instability in the region.

Luckson Elan, leader of the Gran Grif gang, was also sanctioned. Known as "General Luckson," Elan has been linked to a series of violent acts, including murders, kidnappings, and rapes, according to the Miami Herald.

His gang is partly responsible for the displacement of more than half a million of Haitians over the past three years, most of them this year as gangs intensified their attacks on the weakened state structure. Elan's activities have severely impacted agriculture and transportation in the Artibonite region, further contributing to the ongoing instability.

Victor, who currently leads the Bouclier political party, was reportedly instrumental in forming the Gran Grif gang. According to U.N. experts, he began arming young men in 2016 to secure political control during his parliamentary campaign.

The gang has since become a dominant force in the region, known for committing atrocities, including sexual violence. Victor is also accused of trafficking weapons and financially supporting various gangs across Haiti, further exacerbating the country's gang violence crisis.

The announcement comes a little over a month after the U.S. sanctioned former Haitian President Michel Martelly for facilitating cocaine trafficking to the U.S. and laundering the proceeds of the crime.

These sanctions were issued as discussions at the U.N. General Assembly continue, with global leaders calling for action to address Haiti's worsening security and humanitarian crisis.