January 18, 2026
One day after being denied entry to the United States at Cap-Haïtien International Airport, Haitian lawyer and political figure André Michel has officially declared his candidacy for the presidency. The announcement was made on Sunday, July 27, 2025, via a message on his official X account (formerly Twitter).
“I am announcing my presidential ambitions for the upcoming elections. I will carry a political platform focused on security, economic and social development, and national sovereignty. Eliminating armed gangs is my top priority! We will not negotiate with gangs!” he stated, emphasizing a hardline approach.
On Saturday, July 26, Michel—former spokesperson for the Democratic and Popular Sector—was reportedly barred from boarding a flight to the U.S. Airport agents informed him of the entry ban but provided no official reason for the decision.
The unexpected incident comes amid an increasingly tense political and judicial climate in Haiti, as rivalries intensify ahead of national elections. Known for his outspoken views, Michel appears to be leveraging the controversy to reignite his political momentum.
As of now, no official explanation has been released by his team regarding the U.S. decision.
