Former Haitian President Michel Martelly was welcomed by several dozen supporters during a rare visit to Haiti on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. As he walked through the crowd in Port-au-Prince, supporters played music, held up his pictures, and chanted slogans such as “The father is back!” and “Long live Martelly.”

Martelly, who served as president from 2011 to 2016 and currently resides in the United States, has not publicly stated the purpose of his visit. However, local media report that he is expected to testify in the ongoing investigation into the 2021 assassination of another former president, Jovenel Moïse. Martelly had chosen Moïse as his successor, and both are affiliated with the Tèt Kale or PHTK party, which has been influential in Haitian politics.

Martelly has not been accused or charged in connection with Moïse's assassination. His last visit to Haiti related to the case was about three years ago. Meanwhile, Haiti’s Anti-Corruption Unit has accused Martelly of misrepresenting assets. Additionally, last year the Council of the European Union imposed a travel ban and asset freeze on several Haitian politicians, including Martelly.

The Tèt Kale or PHTK party has not registered a candidate for the upcoming general elections, which have not been held in Haiti for over a decade.

Sources