Following a takeover of most of the capital, Haiti’s most influential gang leader has issued a call for the armed overthrow of the prime minister. A series of photos depict Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Cherizier, leader of the ‘G9 Family and Allies’ gang coalition, leading armed followers through the streets of Port-au-Prince.
Accompanied by armed gang members, Cherizier urged Haitians to protest against Prime Minister Ariel Henry and pledged daily demonstrations in various parts of the capital. Emphasizing a readiness for armed conflict, he announced the launch of a campaign to overturn the government and asserted, “Our fight will be with weapons.”
Since the assassination of President Jovenal Moise in July 2021, political turmoil has allowed gangs to seize control of much of the capital. Mr. Henry, governing on an interim basis, has committed to organizing elections once security is restored in Haiti.
The United Nations has sanctioned Cherizier for his alleged involvement in crimes against civilians, including a 2018 massacre in the Port-au-Prince neighborhood of La Saline. He has issued a stern warning to the international community, cautioning against supporting Ariel Henry.
Haiti is estimated to have over 200 active gangs, contributing to widespread violence that has impacted at least 1.5 million people, half of Port-au-Prince’s population, according to the United Nations.