Former Haitian President Martelly Returns Amid Investigation

Former Haitian President Michel Martelly returned to Haiti on Wednesday, making a rare visit to his home country. Although Martelly has not disclosed the purpose of his trip, local media suggest he is expected to testify in the investigation into the July 2021 murder of former President Jovenel Moïse. Martelly has not faced any accusations or charges in the case, which saw him last visit Haiti around three years ago.

A crowd of several dozen supporters greeted Martelly, who was president from 2011 to 2016 and now resides in the United States. As he moved through the crowd, Martelly did not respond to questions. Supporters played music, held photos of him, and shouted slogans like “The father is back!” and “Long live Martelly!”

Martelly had chosen Moïse as his successor, with both belonging to the Tèt Kale Party, or PHTK, which has significantly influenced Haitian politics. Notably, the party has not registered a candidate for the pending general elections, which have been delayed for over a decade.

Martelly, who is also a musician known as “Sweet Micky,” has been embroiled in corruption accusations for a long time. In November 2022, Canada sanctioned him, and in August 2024, the U.S. likewise imposed sanctions, accusing Martelly of facilitating drug trafficking and supporting numerous gangs. The U.S. Department of State criticized Haitian political and economic elites, stating, “It is unacceptable for Haitian political and economic elites to plunder Haiti’s future.”

In December 2025, the Council of the European Union instituted a travel ban and asset freeze against Martelly and other Haitian politicians, accusing them of arming and financing gangs to further their political agendas, control territories, and preserve personal and economic interests. Haiti’s Anti-Corruption Unit also alleged that Martelly misrepresented assets. Martelly has not publicly addressed these allegations.

His return occurs amidst growing poverty and increasing gang violence in Haiti, exacerbating the country’s ongoing struggles.