Overview:
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Henry Wooster warned Haitian political and economic actors that Washington will continue to impose sanctions and pursue prosecutions for gang collusion or efforts to unlawfully retain power, alluding to members of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) whose mandate ends on Feb. 7, 2026.
PORT-AU-PRINCE — In a year-end message released Tuesday, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Haiti Henry Wooster warned Haitian political and economic actors that Washington will continue imposing sanctions, arrests and prosecutions against individuals linked to gang violence or seeking to cling to power unlawfully—signaling a tougher posture under the Trump administration as Haiti nears a critical political deadline.
The warning comes as the United States escalates enforcement following the signing into law of the Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act— part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) recently passed by Congress— which expands U.S. authority to identify, sanction and pursue Haitian officials, business figures and others accused of collaborating with armed groups or undermining democratic governance.
“This year, the United States has sanctioned, detained, and arrested individuals who contributed to the destabilization of Haiti,” Wooster wrote in the message published on the U.S. Embassy’s official Facebook account. “These individuals—whether in Haiti or in the United States—supported gangs through arms trafficking, financing or other means. The Trump administration will continue to hold them accountable.”
A warning tied to past actions amid deepening political uncertainty
Wooster’s remarks echo previous U.S. actions against Haitian nationals accused of backing gangs, including visa bans, financial sanctions and criminal prosecutions in U.S. courts. He recalled that several individuals have already been detained or sanctioned for alleged roles in arms trafficking and financial support to armed groups blamed for fueling Haiti’s insecurity.
The message also comes as Haiti approaches Feb. 7, 2026, when the mandate of the nine-member Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) is set to expire. The council was tasked with restoring security, organizing elections and stabilizing the economy—goals that remain largely unmet amid worsening violence and political paralysis.
Wooster accused unnamed political actors of placing personal interests above the country’s stability, warning against any attempt to use insecurity or constitutional reform as pretexts to delay elections.
“The United States has sanctioned, detained, and arrested individuals who contributed to Haiti’s destabilization, and we will continue to do so.”
Henry Wooster
“These are not lifetime posts,” he reiterated, repeating language he used publicly in September. “There is a history behind this—and it is not a good one. A democratically elected leadership is needed. That must happen.”
Despite repeated assurances from some CPT members that the council’s mandate will end on schedule, uncertainty persists over what political arrangement will follow. Officials have not announced a clear process for selecting a successor or resolving competing proposals.
Among proposals circulating are calls for a Council of State, a dual executive with a president and prime minister, or a reconfigured transitional council backed by signatories of the Montana Accord. None has gained consensus or formal endorsement.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has drawn criticism for public gestures—including promises to install televisions nationwide for the 2026 World Cup—while the government struggles to pay arrears and contain insecurity.
A grim security backdrop
Wooster’s message comes against the backdrop of a deteriorating security situation. Haiti now counts more than 1.4 million internally displaced people, according to international estimates, as gangs expand their control beyond Port-au-Prince.
This week alone, armed groups launched attacks in Mirebalais and Montrouis, abducting two police officers and demanding the release of detained gang members. In the capital, kidnappings and armed assaults continue despite the deployment of a Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. The MSS is set to be fully replaced by a 5,500-strong UN-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF) between March and April 2026.
Still, Wooster said 2026 could mark a turning point if Haiti moves toward restored security and credible elections.
“A safer and more prosperous Haiti is possible,” he wrote, praising the resilience of Haitians and pointing to milestones such as Haiti’s World Cup qualification, the UNESCO recognition of konpa and the courage of the Haitian National Police.
For Washington, the message was clear: accountability will remain central to U.S. policy toward Haiti—especially for those accused of colluding with gangs or attempting to retain power outside democratic norms.
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