Haiti is currently grappling with an escalating gang violence crisis that has led to a dramatic increase in insecurity, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince. Amid this turmoil, the Haitian National Police (HNP) and the Multinational Security Support (MSS) team have issued a stern warning to notorious gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, urging him and his group to surrender or face imminent force. This comes after weeks of sustained operations aimed at dismantling gang strongholds in several regions of the country.
The MSS, a coalition of international forces from countries such as Kenya, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Belize, alongside the HNP, has been actively targeting the gangs, with particular focus on the so-called “G9” gang alliance, led by Cherizier. In a statement, the MSS warned that gang leaders who refuse to surrender will face overwhelming retaliation from the multinational forces. “Surrender now or face the inevitable force that will strike them sooner than anticipated,” the MSS declared, signaling a critical moment in the ongoing operations.
Gang Assaults on Port-au-Prince
The latest operation on Monday revealed a dangerous movement by Cherizier and about 30 of his gang members, who were attempting to advance in two groups of 15 members each, targeting the Delmas neighborhoods, two of the most affected areas in Port-au-Prince. The MSS and HNP responded swiftly, launching a counteroffensive that forced the gang members to retreat in disarray, with several casualties reported within the gang ranks. Some gang members reportedly hesitated to follow orders, a sign of weakening control within Cherizier’s forces.
The multinational and national forces have been engaged in continuous day-and-night patrols across affected regions, including Carrefour Paye, Route Coloniale, Bois Dutre Jette, and others, seeking to secure areas that have long been abandoned to gang control. Despite these aggressive military operations, the situation remains volatile, with gang members continuing to launch violent attacks on civilians and the police.
Reopening Police Stations Amid Crisis
In an effort to regain control and restore public order, the MSS and HNP have started reopening abandoned police stations across Haiti. One significant development came with the reopening of the Liancourt police station, a critical post that had been abandoned due to gang violence. Residents in the area, who had long suffered under the yoke of gang terror, celebrated the police station’s reopening as a vital step toward restoring safety.
The reopening was symbolically marked by the arrival of the Police Commissioner of Gonaives, who, along with the MSS and HNP forces, escorted the commissioner to the area. The residents, who had been living in fear for months, showed their appreciation by mobilizing to clean and secure the area. This act of community solidarity highlighted the critical role local residents are playing in the battle against gang violence, alongside the national and international forces.
International Support for Haiti
Haiti’s political instability and the gang violence have prompted calls for international intervention. Haiti’s leaders have been urging the United Nations to deploy a peacekeeping force to help restore order, a move supported by the permanent council of the Organization of American States (OAS). On November 13, the OAS adopted a resolution endorsing Haiti’s request for United States-led peacekeeping operations. This decision, however, faces significant hurdles, given the complexity of Haiti’s political situation and the challenges of deploying troops in a country plagued by gang violence and political uncertainty.
In addition to military assistance, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has launched a new initiative to assist displaced persons in Port-au-Prince. Supported by the Inter-American Development Bank, this initiative aims to address the urgent needs of thousands of Haitians who have been forced to flee their homes due to the intensifying violence. The project focuses on providing shelter, food, and essential services for those displaced by the gangs, a crucial effort as the number of internally displaced persons continues to rise.
A Nation on Edge
Haiti’s future remains uncertain, with gang violence pushing the country to a breaking point. As the MSS, HNP, and international forces intensify their efforts to reclaim territory from the gangs, the population is caught in a deadly crossfire. The international community’s response will likely determine whether Haiti can emerge from this crisis, or if it will continue its descent into lawlessness and despair.
