Haiti: Coup Leader, Drug Trafficker Guy Philippe Deported Back From US
Guy Philippe, the notorious coup leader, returns to Haiti after US government repatriation, raising concerns of potential upheaval in a country grappling with gang violence and political instability. VALERIE BAERISWYL/AFP via Getty Images

The US repatriated Guy Philippe, a former Haiti coup leader, back to his Caribbean homeland Thursday, following approximately six years of imprisonment in the US on money-laundering charges associated with Colombian drug trafficking.

Having led the 2004 ousting of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and subsequently winning a senatorial race in the rural Grand'Anse region, Guy Philippe, a former police officer, is presently housed in a police facility near the main airport of the capital, as reported by a police source to Reuters.

The status of his continued detention remains unclear.

Footage from local outlet Haiti9 News depicted a small group of pro-Philippe protesters outside the airport.

Philippe's arrest occurred just before he was to be sworn in as a senator in 2017, with the US Drug Enforcement Administration taking custody.

Initially sentenced to nine years in a Miami court, Philippe was granted early release in September.

Initially entering a plea of not guilty, claiming he was "kidnapped" by the US due to his political beliefs, Philippe later altered his plea as part of an agreement to avoid a lengthier US sentence.

In a statement issued late last year advocating for his early release, Philippe expressed anticipation for returning to Haiti and contributing to the improvement of his community in Pestel, located on the country's southern peninsula.

Guy Philippe Deportation to Haiti 'Makes No Sense' Says Immigrant Rights Group Leader

Guerline Jozef, co-founder of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, a San Diego-based immigrant rights group, criticized Philippe's deportation, stating it contradicts the Biden administration's support for deploying an armed force from Kenya to aid Haiti's fragile police force in combating gangs.

Jozef emphasized that such actions contribute to Haiti's destabilization, urging a reassessment of US foreign policies toward the country, the Miami Herald noted.

The Biden administration's decision to continue deportations to Haiti has faced opposition from immigration advocates and the United Nations, especially considering the nation's ongoing armed gang and humanitarian crisis.

Tom Cartwright, a refugee advocate, highlighted that despite calls to halt deportations, the US has deported over 27,200 Haitians since President Biden's inauguration, with Thursday's flight marking the 289th ICE deportation flight under this administration.

Uncertain Role of Guy Philippe in Haiti's Political Landscape

Amidst uncertainty, concerns arise regarding Guy Philippe's role upon his return to Haiti, a country grappling with powerful gangs following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.

Guy Philippe, a charismatic leader with significant ties to police, politicians, and the business elite, has historically seen himself as a messianic figure for Haiti.

Authorities had also accused him of leveraging his position to protect drug shipments in exchange for bribes, admitting to receiving up to $3.5 million, AP reports.

Robert Fatton, a Haitian politics expert and University of Virginia professor, emphasized that Philippe's intentions remain unclear.

While Philippe has expressed a desire to be involved in Haitian politics, there is speculation about his connections with former police officials turned gang leaders, including Jimmy Chérizier, known as "Barbecue."

Philippe's supporters, including former Haitian President Michel Martelly, believe he should participate in upcoming general elections, though a date has not been set.

A dozen supporters gather at Haiti's main international airport in "Guy Philippe" T-shirts Thursday, advocating for his participation in upcoming elections, which have faced repeated delays and lack a set date.

Meanwhile, Alex Dupuy, a Haiti-born sociologist, expressed skepticism about Guy Philippe playing a central role in Haiti's current political drama.

"One would have to wait and see what his return means if anything at all," Dupuy said, adding that Guy Philippe is not necessarily expected to play the main role in the ongoing drama unfolding in Haiti amid the challenging political situation.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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