Visa Revocation of Edgard Leblanc Fils: OPL Condemns U.S. Sanctions

The Organization of the People in Struggle (OPL) has confirmed that its former coordinator, Edgard Leblanc Fils, is among the two members of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) recently sanctioned by the U.S. Department of State. However, the party strongly denounces the decision, calling it “unfounded” and “fanciful.”

According to the OPL, the sanctions were imposed simply because the officials concerned dared to make a political decision in the exercise of their duties — a decision that did not align with U.S. interests.

The party acknowledges that Haiti is facing a deep crisis and that international cooperation remains more necessary than ever to help the country recover.

It also recognizes that U.S. assistance to Haiti is significant and that Washington’s position in the Americas carries a responsibility to promote regional stability.

Nevertheless, the OPL stresses that nothing authorizes the United States to interfere directly in Haiti’s internal affairs — a nation it recalls has forged its history with pride and dignity.

“Political decision-making in Haiti belongs to Haitians since 1803,” wrote former lawmaker Kétel Jean-Philippe, acting coordinator of the OPL.

The organization strongly condemns any form of threats, excessive political bargaining, or pressure against members of the Transitional Presidential Council, describing such practices as violations of diplomatic norms, particularly the Vienna Convention.

The OPL warns that U.S. interference risks criminalizing all Haitian political actors who refuse to submit to what it describes as foreign diktats. The party reiterates its full solidarity with its former coordinator and former senator Edgard Leblanc, now a member of the CPT.

The party also rejects what it calls an attempt by the U.S. government to associate Leblanc with criminal gangs that have been terrorizing the country for years.

According to the OPL, such claims trivialize terrorist violence and reflect a lack of genuine commitment to combating gang activity.

While acknowledging Washington’s right to revoke a courtesy visa previously granted to Leblanc, the OPL argues that attacking his reputation and personal integrity amounts to what it labels a “repugnant” form of political bargaining.

The party notes, however, that it did not denounce U.S. interference during the formation of the Transitional Presidential Council in April 2024.

Dodeley Orelus