Santo Domingo.- The United Nations (UN) Sanctions Committee for Haiti recently concluded a three-day official visit to the country led by its president, Michel Xavier Biang. The purpose of the visit was to engage with Haitian authorities and investigate individuals who may be subject to sanctions for their support of criminal gangs. During the visit, an altercation between the Haitian police and employees at the Compagnie Development Industriel (Codevi) resulted in disturbances and the unfortunate deaths of two individuals.
Biang gathered valuable insights into the social situation in Haiti before departing for the Dominican Republic for another official visit. As the Committee’s president, Biang is set to receive the final report from the Panel of Experts conducting the investigations on September 15, 2023. This report will include a list of individuals and entities recommended for sanctions.
While an exact date for the release of the list cannot be confirmed, Biang emphasized the importance of a thorough and meticulous process. He stressed the need to verify all necessary evidence to ensure a professional and comprehensive approach, adding that the main factor affecting the timeline is the evidence-collection process.
Biang also mentioned that UN member countries have the opportunity to provide information and request the inclusion of specific individuals for sanctions. The Gabonese ambassador to the UN, Biang personally visited Haiti to gain firsthand experience of the crisis and its impact on neighboring nations. He engaged with key figures in Haiti’s government, police, civil society, and the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH).
Biang refrained from commenting on potential armed interventions or the work of the Security Council but acknowledged the importance of going beyond sanctions given the scale of the crisis in Haiti.