PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Former Haitian President Michel Martelly touched down in Haiti on Wednesday, making an uncommon return to the country he once led.
While Martelly has offered no public explanation for the trip, local media outlets in Haiti are reporting that he is expected to provide testimony as part of the continuing investigation into the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse, who was killed in July 2021. Martelly has not been accused or charged in connection with that case, which was also the reason behind his last visit to Haiti approximately three years ago.
Dozens of supporters turned out to welcome him upon his arrival. Martelly served as Haiti’s president from 2011 to 2016 and currently resides in the United States. He did not stop to answer reporters’ questions as he moved through the crowd. Supporters blasted music, waved photos of him, and chanted phrases including “The father is back!” and “Long live Martelly!”
Martelly had handpicked Moïse as his political successor. Both men belong to the Tèt Kale Party, also known as PHTK, which has been a major force in Haitian politics. The party did not put forward a candidate for the upcoming general elections — elections that have not taken place in more than a decade.
Known by his stage name “Sweet Micky,” Martelly built a career as a musician before entering politics and has faced corruption allegations for years.
Canada imposed sanctions on Martelly in November 2022. The United States followed in August 2024, accusing him of facilitating drug trafficking and providing financial backing to multiple gangs. “It is unacceptable for Haitian political and economic elites to plunder Haiti’s future,” the U.S. Department of State declared at the time.
Then in December 2025, the Council of the European Union announced a travel ban and asset freeze targeting several Haitian politicians, Martelly among them. The EU accused him of arming and bankrolling gangs in order to advance his political goals, extend his territorial influence, and protect his personal and financial interests.
Haiti’s own Anti-Corruption Unit has also accused Martelly of misrepresenting his assets. He has not publicly responded to any of the allegations against him.
His return to Haiti comes at a particularly difficult moment for the country, which is grappling with worsening poverty and an escalating wave of gang violence.
