Sanctioned former President Michel Martelly returns to Haiti as some cheer
Martelly’s return comes as a judge reopens the Moïse killing probe and several high-profile figures face testimony requests, while Haiti’s election process remains stalled.
- Former Haitian President Michel Martelly returned to Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, arriving from Cap-Haïtien via Sunrise Airways at Guy Malary Airport. Supporters welcomed the musician-turned-politician with music and signs proclaiming 'The father is back!'
- An investigative judge continues to re-examine the July 7, 2021, assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, with Martelly summoned to testify among several high-profile figures. Martelly had selected Moïse as his successor before the killing.
- The European Union imposed an asset freeze and travel ban in December 2025, Canada sanctioned Martelly in November 2022, and the United States followed in August 2024, all accusing him of gang ties and drug trafficking. Haiti's Anti-Corruption Unit also accused him of misrepresenting assets.
- Despite dominating Haitian politics for a decade, Martelly's PHTK party is not among the 316 political parties recently authorized by the Provisional Electoral Council for upcoming elections. Even so, he continues to enjoy support among Haiti's private sector and political class.
- Human rights advocate Pierre Esperance said Martelly has every right to return as a Haitian citizen, but the government does not owe him security, as legal entitlements expired five years after leaving office. His arrival occurs amid Haiti's deepening poverty and gang violence.
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LancasterOnline
Independent EspañolFormer President of Haiti Michel Martelly Returns to the Country in the Midst of the Ovation of Some
PUERTO PRINCIPE, Haiti (AP) — Former President of Haiti Michel Martelly returned to his country Wednesday as part of a rare visit.
Associated Press News
Sanctioned former President Michel Martelly returns to Haiti as some cheer
Former Haitian President Michel Martelly has arrived in Haiti in a rare visit to his homeland. Several dozen supporters greeted Martelly on Wednesday.
As announced by our editor, the former President Michel Joseph Martelly arrived in Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, after spending several years abroad, mainly in Florida, the United States. According to several sources close to the file, this return to Haiti would have been recommended by his lawyers. However, this information was the subject of no official confirmation, and the reasons for his displacement remain unknown.
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