Canada imposes more sanctions on Haitian gang leaders as violence rises

OTTAWA — Canada is imposing economic sanctions on three more people for their involvement in fueling violence in Haiti.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly made the announcement Friday, saying Ottawa will not stand idly by as gangs terrorize vulnerable people.

Global Affairs Canada says gang leaders Luckson Elan, Gabriel Jean-Pierre and Ferdens Tilus have undermined peace, security and stability in Haiti.

To date, the Canadian government has provided approximately $400 million in assistance and sanctioned 31 Haitian nationals, preventing them from having any economic relationship with Canadians.

A United Nations report released earlier this week said increased gang activity has displaced nearly 580,000 since March alone.

Kenya is to lead a UN-backed international peacekeeping mission to quell the violence in the Caribbean country.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 21, 2024.

— With files from the Associated Press.

The Canadian Press