‘Haiti Gang Leader Cherizier Calls for Revolution to ‘Overthrow the System’

Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, a powerful Haitian gang leader, has rejected a proposed peace and electoral road map. The proposal was supported by foreign nations and came in response to the country’s descent into violent chaos after the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. During an emergency summit, CARICOM discussed the possibility of a political transition, a move which the United States urged to quicken in response to growing chaos in Port-au-Prince. Cherizier, however, stated that he and those remaining in Haiti would make the decisions and rejected plans for a transitional council made up of the country’s political parties.

Cherizier and his gang, known as the G9 Family and Allies, have contributed significantly to the continued violence and political instability in Port-au-Prince. Their activities include blockading fuel terminals, clashes with rival gangs, and the use of violence to maintain control of their territories. These actions have displaced thousands of Haitians from their homes. Cherizier currently faces sanctions from the United Nations, the US, and other countries. His recent calls for the resignation of Prime Minister Henry have led to a surge of unrest in the city.

Following the resignation of Henry, there is currently no plan in place for the future, leaving Haiti in a state of turbulence. Incidents of looting and street fights have become commonplace, and both the Guatemalan and Salvadoran consulates in Port-au-Prince were raided. Many Haitian civil society leaders saw Henry’s resignation as long overdue, expressing hopes that his departure might enable the nation to move forward. Henry, previously nominated for his post in 2021 and meant to step down in February, has been effectively exiled due to the unrest.

While some political groups see the formation of a new council as a solution to Haiti’s power vacuum, Cherizier is calling for a revolution. His vision is to overthrow the current system where he asserts that 5% of the people control 95% of the nation’s wealth. Once a transitional government is established, it could open the doors for a multinational police force on the ground in Haiti, funded by the US and Canada. However, Cherizier has rejected the idea of foreign intervention, in particular the proposal for Kenya to lead such a force.

A new alliance between two rival gangs, the G9 and G-PEP, known as Viva Ensemble, has been formed with the intended purpose of preventing foreign troops from entering Haiti. The UN has estimated that gangs currently control more than 80% of Port-au-Prince. The poor in major slums have borne the brunt of the continuance of gang violence in the Haitian capital. The state of Haiti remains largely lawless, further complicating the situation for the very people Cherizier claims to want to help.