Former Haitian Prime Minister vows to sue over “orchestrated” attacks, hints at oligarch involvement without naming names
Port-au-Prince / Miami – January 7, 2026 Former Haitian Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe announced Monday that he has retained law firms to pursue legal proceedings against what he describes as years-long, orchestrated defamation campaigns targeting his reputation.
In a series of posts on his X account, Lamothe stated that the attacks are based on “false information” promoted by “certain interest groups linked to Haitian oligarchs” whose goal is to discredit him.
He added that a “small group of detractors” recently relaunched and amplified these allegations on social media, leaving him no choice but to defend his honor through the courts.
A Cryptic Response to Calls for Names
The announcement quickly drew questions from users. X user @WensdePaul pressed Lamothe to identify the alleged oligarchs, writing: “Who are these few oligarchs? We need a name drop due to the fact that hiding the names of these people has been a staple in our culture. Nous paka ap fe tete lang anko ak moun sa yo.”
In a quote post later that day, Lamothe responded without providing specific names:
“The same ‘few’ that defamed President Jovenel until his brutal assassination, these same ones that financed and orchestrated the fake campaign on the #25stad or sports centers! They are the ones that are behind 99 percent of the lies being spread on me for the past 11 years!”
The reference to “#25stad” appears to allude to long-running controversies surrounding alleged mismanagement or misrepresentation of sports infrastructure projects during the Martelly-Lamothe era.
A Familiar Pattern in Haitian Politics
Lamothe, who served as Prime Minister from 2012 to 2014 under President Michel Martelly, did not detail the specific accusations he is contesting in his statement.
The former leader has faced recurring criticism over the years, including allegations of corruption tied to post-earthquake reconstruction contracts and PetroCaribe funds — claims he has consistently denied. Both Lamothe and Martelly have also been sanctioned by Canada and the United States for alleged corruption and gang-related activities, sanctions they have challenged as politically motivated.
Lamothe’s decision to pursue legal action comes amid Haiti’s ongoing institutional and security crisis, where social media has become a primary battleground for political narratives. High-profile figures from the post-2010 period frequently face intense online scrutiny, often amplified by anonymous accounts or rival factions.
What Comes Next?
While Lamothe has not specified the jurisdictions or exact nature of the planned lawsuits, his retention of legal counsel suggests proceedings could target individuals, media outlets, or platforms both in Haiti and abroad.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions online: some applauding the move toward accountability in public discourse, others questioning why specific names remain unmentioned.
As Haiti navigates another year of transition, gang violence, and delayed elections, Lamothe’s legal offensive adds another layer to the country’s polarized political landscape.
L’Union Suite will monitor any filings or further statements as this story develops.
