The capital of Port-au-Prince is largely under the sway of factions led by Jimmy Chérizier, commonly known as Barbecue. Chérizier has warned of the potential escalation of violence in Haiti in the coming days.
Nevertheless, he expressed readiness for finding solutions, addressing the media amid the ongoing turmoil in the country, which has been without a prime minister since March 12. Haiti, home to over 11 million people, grapples with poverty and instability.
Ariel Henry, who had previously signed an agreement to deploy a multinational security force to restore order, resigned from his position when armed gangs obstructed his departure from Kenya. The power vacuum has allowed gangs to extend their control, rendering certain regions lawless.
To address the crisis, with backing from the US and other Caribbean nations, a Presidential Transitional Council has been established to devise a plan for the return to democratic governance.
Chérizier, a prominent figure in the coalition of gangs known as Viv Ansanm (Live Together), which holds sway over approximately 80% of Port-au-Prince, insists on the inclusion of his group in any future negotiations. He expressed willingness to consider de-escalating violence if the international community presents a collaborative approach that respects their agency.
While acknowledging the regrettable rise in violence, Chérizier cautioned that exclusion of groups like his, which criticize corrupt politicians, from future administrations could exacerbate the issue.
Moreover, he warned against the deployment of Kenyan soldiers for security reinforcement, labeling them as potential aggressors and invaders.
The United Nations has characterized the situation in Haiti as “cataclysmic,” citing a report revealing over 1,500 fatalities and 800 injuries in the first three months of 2024. The report detailed the alarming tactics of gangs, including excessive violence and sexual assault, used for control and punishment.
Humanitarian organizations have sounded the alarm, citing millions at risk of starvation and the inability to deliver essential supplies to the capital, leaving many vulnerable to hunger.
