United States authorities have accused Haiti's leading gang boss and placed a $5 million bounty on his capture.
In September 2023, a formidable alliance known as Viv Ansanm was formed in Haiti, bringing together rival gangs, primarily the G-9 and G-Pèp factions, under the leadership of former police officer Jimmy "Barbecue" Chérizier. This coalition was established with the aim of opposing the legitimate Haitian government and has since engaged in extensive violent activities.
Viv Ansanm's activities have escalated significantly, with the largest jailbreak in Haitian history occurring in early 2024, following raids on two major prisons that freed approximately 4,000 inmates. The gang's military-style operations have also forced the closure of the main international airport and launched attacks aimed at toppling the acting prime minister, Ariel Henry. These actions have caused significant instability and violence across Haiti.
Jimmy Chérizier, nicknamed "Barbecue," is considered Haiti's most powerful gang leader and warlord. He heads the Revolutionary Forces of the G9 Family and Allies (G9), which forms the core of the Viv Ansanm coalition. Chérizier has justified his actions as leading an "armed revolution" against the government. However, the gang has been responsible for serious human rights abuses, such as the 2018 La Saline massacre, where dozens were killed, many houses were destroyed, and women were raped.
The influence of Viv Ansanm on the Haitian government has been profound in destabilizing state authority and contributing to political crises. The gang's control over parts of Port-au-Prince challenges the government's legitimacy. In response, the U.S. government has imposed sanctions on Chérizier and designated Viv Ansanm a foreign terrorist organization, placing a $5 million reward for his arrest due to his role in violence both inside Haiti and against American citizens.
Recent developments have seen the transitional presidential council, led by Laurent Saint-Cyr, facing threats from the Viv Ansanm gang. Chérizier has made a social media video warning residents to give his armed group free passage through neighborhoods to reach the council's office. This comes after Bazile Richardson, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was indicted for transferring money from the United States to fund gang activities in Haiti. Richardson was arrested on July 23 in Pasadena, Texas, and is expected to make his first court appearance in Washington, D.C.
In a swearing-in ceremony, Saint-Cyr acknowledged the country's current crisis, stating, "Our country is going through one of the greatest crises in all its history." As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches closely, with the UN expressing concern over the Viv Ansanm gang's efforts to destabilize Haiti and quash actions aimed at restoring state control.
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