US federal prosecutors have charged Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, known as 'Barbecue', with crimes including violence and human rights abuses, and have offered a $5 million reward for his arrest. Cherizier, who leads the group Viv Ansanm, is accused of significant violence in Haiti, including the 2018 La Saline massacre, and is under multiple international sanctions. Despite his power and protection by his group, the US and other nations are actively pursuing him amid Haiti's ongoing political and humanitarian crisis.
Ernst Julme, a gang leader associated with Jimmy "Barbeque" Cherizier's criminal alliance in Haiti, was killed by police in Port-au-Prince, following his recent escape from custody. This comes after two other suspected gang members were killed and set on fire in an apparent act of vigilante justice. The UN Security Council condemned the violence and illicit flow of arms into Haiti, while the U.S. State Department has evacuated over 160 Americans from the country due to the ongoing instability.
Haiti's prime minister Ariel Henry has resigned amid mounting international pressure following gang violence that has pushed the capital to the brink of civil war. Former police officer Jimmy 'Barbecue’ Cherizier, leader of the ‘G9’ coalition, has claimed responsibility for the surge in attacks, with heavily armed gangs trying to seize control of key government sites, including the main international airport. The country has failed to hold parliamentary and general elections in recent years, leading to a power vacuum and increasing violence. The gangs, now controlling up to 80% of the capital, have become more financially independent through smuggled firearms and ransom payments, allowing them to acquire high-caliber weapons and pose a significant threat to the stability of the country.
Haiti's prime minister Ariel Henry has resigned amid mounting international pressure following gang violence that has pushed the capital to the brink of civil war. Former police officer Jimmy 'Barbecue’ Cherizier, leader of the ‘G9’ coalition, has claimed responsibility for the surge in attacks, with heavily armed gangs trying to seize control of key government sites and the main international airport. The country has failed to hold parliamentary and general elections in recent years, leading to a power vacuum and political instability. Gangs, armed with high-caliber weapons, have become increasingly powerful, controlling up to 80% of the capital and posing a significant challenge to the government and security forces.
Gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, known as "Barbecue," has become the most powerful figure in Haiti amid escalating violence and the US evacuation of its embassy. Chérizier, leader of the "G9 and Family" gang, is commanding gunmen in the capital and demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. The situation has led to chaos and a state of emergency, prompting the US to deploy additional forces and evacuate nonessential personnel. The violence stems from political instability following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, with Henry struggling to maintain order and facing opposition from powerful gang leaders like Chérizier.
Former elite police officer turned gang leader Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Cherizier has claimed responsibility for a surge in violent attacks in Haiti, including an attempt to seize control of the main international airport. Gangs, estimated to control up to 80% of the capital, have targeted key government sites and infrastructure, leading to a rapidly deteriorating security situation. Prime Minister Ariel Henry's efforts to stabilize the country with a UN-backed security force have been hindered by the escalating power of crime groups. The gangs' increasing military capacity, fueled by smuggled firearms and ransom payments, has made them a formidable force in the absence of effective state control.
