Haitian High-Ranking Official Rejects U.S. Sanctions, Denies Gang Support

Fritz Alphonse Jean, a prominent member of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, publicly rejected accusations from the United States after Washington imposed visa restrictions against him for alleged ties to gang activity.

Jean, a former central bank governor and influential political figure within Haiti’s transitional leadership, denied any involvement with or support for criminal groups.

“I have never supported gangs and I strongly reject these allegations,” Jean said Tuesday, urging transparency in the U.S. decision and calling the accusations “unfounded.”

The U.S. State Department’s sanctions come amid intensifying international pressure on Haitian political leaders to sever all connections with armed groups that have destabilized the country. Washington has been expanding its sanctions list as part of its strategy to weaken the financial and political networks that sustain powerful gangs across the capital, Port-au-Prince.

Jean’s denial highlights deep tensions between Haiti’s transitional authorities and international partners at a moment when the country is struggling to restore security and prepare for long-delayed national elections.

The transitional council, installed earlier this year, is tasked with steering Haiti toward political stability while supporting the Kenya-led multinational mission aimed at restoring order. The U.S. has framed its sanctions policy as essential to that effort.

Jean called on the Haitian public to remain focused on institutional rebuilding and insisted that political attacks would not distract the transition process.

Further details surrounding the U.S. allegations have not yet been released.