Haiti’s Fritz Alphonse Jean denies accusations linking him to gangs

Fritz Alphonse Jean, a member of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), has strongly rejected claims by the United States that he supports gangs and criminal organizations in Haiti, calling the allegations “false and misleading.”

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The U.S. recently announced visa restrictions targeting a Haitian government official for allegedly supporting gangs and obstructing Haiti’s fight against “terrorist gangs,” which control roughly 90% of the capital and parts of central Haiti. While the State Department did not name Jean in its official release, multiple reports, including from The Associated Press, identified him as the target.

Jean told the AP on Tuesday that he remains committed to tackling gangs and corruption, and denied any wrongdoing. “Once we started reviewing the possibilities of changing the head of government, members of (the council) started receiving threats of visa cancellation and other sanctions from the U.S. embassy representative and the Canadian ambassador,” he said. “If we do not desist, we will face sanctions and visa cancellation.”

Jean emphasized the council’s priorities, saying, “We stand firm on combating corruption, state capture by few individuals, and operators involved in drugs trafficking, weapons and ammunition’s proliferation.” He also announced that the CPT will investigate individuals deported from the U.S. for alleged financial crimes and gang ties.

The CPT has faced criticism for delays in holding elections, originally scheduled for February 7, 2026, the date the council’s mandate ends. Critics allege some members are seeking to extend their tenure and appoint a new prime minister who would support that agenda. Jean rejected those claims, insisting that the council’s focus remains on security and the fight against gangs.

Haiti has not held general elections in nearly a decade, and the country has been without a president since the fatal shooting of former President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. The Provisional Electoral Council has tentatively scheduled elections for August and December 2026, though ongoing gang violence continues to complicate the timeline.

The U.S. State Department’s November 24 release said visa restrictions were imposed under INA 212(a)(3)(C), which bars entry to individuals whose actions could have serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States. The department emphasized that the policy targets those who provide material or financial support to gangs and criminal organizations operating in Haiti.

Despite the U.S. action, Jean reiterated his commitment to restoring security, promoting accountability, and supporting Haiti’s path to free and fair elections.