Haiti has been engulfed in deep turmoil, with gangs exerting control over large swathes of the nation. At the center of this unrest is a figure whose name has become synonymous with both fear and defiance: Jimmy Cherizier, popularly known as “Barbecue.” Once a police officer, Cherizier now commands the G9 Family and Allies, a coalition of gangs that has taken control of significant portions of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and its outskirts. His rise from law enforcement to a gang leader reflects the complex and dangerous shifts in Haiti’s security landscape.
Cherizier’s nickname, “Barbecue,” reportedly traces back to his tenure as a police officer, associated with incidents involving the torching of homes. His transformation from a law enforcer to a gang leader marked a turning point in Haiti’s social order. Today, Barbecue presents himself as a champion for the marginalized, claiming that his actions aim to address systemic injustices and fight for the impoverished. However, many critics and citizens view his rhetoric as a thinly veiled justification for terror, extortion, and unchecked violence.
The Emergence of G9 and Escalation of Violence
Barbecue’s G9 Family and Allies coalition is a powerful network of gangs, whose influence extends beyond the capital. Their presence has reshaped Haiti’s political and security environment, as local authorities struggle to contain their activities. Cherizier’s gang has grown notorious for blockading neighborhoods, disrupting basic services, and fostering a climate of fear that grips entire communities. Kidnappings, murders, and sexual violence have surged under the shadow of the G9’s operations, leaving citizens trapped in a cycle of crime and insecurity.
While Barbecue insists that his coalition is fighting for social justice, his critics argue that the group’s tactics contradict any claims of altruism. Reports of forced recruitment, assassinations, and extortion suggest that the G9’s motivations are rooted in power consolidation, rather than the protection of vulnerable populations. Residents in areas controlled by the G9 face not only threats from rival gangs but also intimidation from the coalition itself.
The humanitarian crisis in Port-au-Prince and other gang-controlled regions has worsened, with food and medical supplies often blocked from entering key areas. Basic infrastructure has crumbled as these armed groups exploit the government’s weaknesses, leaving the population in desperate conditions. Many Haitians lament that the state has ceded control to criminal elements, intensifying calls for urgent international intervention.
International Interventions and Resistance from Barbecue
Haiti’s deteriorating security situation has drawn international attention, prompting foreign governments and organizations to seek solutions. Kenya recently committed to deploying police forces as part of a Multinational Security Support Mission aimed at restoring order and curbing the power of gangs. However, Cherizier has expressed fierce opposition to these efforts, framing foreign interventions as a threat to Haiti’s sovereignty.
In a public statement, Barbecue warned that any foreign forces entering Haiti would be treated as aggressors, vowing resistance against what he described as an invasion. Drawing parallels to Haiti’s historic fight for independence during the Haitian Revolution, he positioned himself as a defender of national sovereignty. He also accused international actors, particularly the United States, of manipulating Haiti’s internal affairs for political gain.
This rhetoric resonates with some Haitians, especially those who remain skeptical of foreign involvement due to a long history of external interference in the country’s political processes. However, many others reject Barbecue’s narrative, viewing him as a figure who has exploited national pride to legitimize his control over communities. His claims of resistance are seen by some as a tactic to maintain his dominance, rather than a genuine effort to protect Haiti’s autonomy.
The Human Cost of Gang Control
Haitians living under the control of gangs like the G9 experience extreme hardship. Basic services are often unavailable, as gang leaders exploit public utilities to enforce their rule. Schools and hospitals are frequently closed or inaccessible, compounding the suffering of ordinary citizens. Insecurity has also disrupted economic activities, leading to increased unemployment and poverty.
For those who oppose the gangs or attempt to escape their control, the consequences can be severe. Abductions for ransom have become routine, with civilians, business owners, and even children targeted indiscriminately. Many residents have been forced to leave their homes, seeking refuge in areas less affected by gang violence, further straining already-limited resources. The displacement crisis has worsened the humanitarian situation, creating makeshift camps where people live in squalid conditions.
Women and children have been particularly vulnerable to the violence. Numerous reports detail sexual violence used as a weapon of control, leaving victims with lasting trauma and little recourse to justice. The breakdown of law enforcement, coupled with the gangs’ influence, means that perpetrators often act with impunity. The absence of functioning courts and a reliable police presence has emboldened criminal groups, leaving citizens with no avenues for protection or redress.
Barbecue’s Shifting Strategy and Public Skepticism
In recent months, Cherizier has hinted at a potential change in his gang’s activities, suggesting a willingness to reduce violence and allow normalcy to return to certain areas of Port-au-Prince. This shift has been met with cautious optimism, as some hope it signals a possible path toward de-escalation. However, skepticism remains high among both the public and political leaders. Many question whether Barbecue’s gestures are genuine or merely a strategic maneuver to maintain his influence in the face of mounting pressure.
Political figures have voiced concerns about the long-term implications of Barbecue’s actions, warning that any peace agreement with the G9 could result in the legitimization of gang rule. Some fear that such arrangements would further erode state authority, cementing the power of armed groups within Haiti’s governance structure. Critics argue that meaningful peace can only be achieved through a comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of gang violence, such as poverty, corruption, and the lack of social services.
Kenya’s Role and Challenges Ahead
The Kenyan-led mission to stabilize Haiti faces a daunting task, as it aims to dismantle gang networks while navigating a complex political landscape. Simply deploying security forces may not be enough to address the deeply entrenched issues that have allowed gangs like the G9 to thrive. A sustainable solution will require not only military intervention but also long-term investments in social and economic development.
Kenya’s involvement also raises questions about how effectively it can engage with local communities and build trust among a population that has grown wary of foreign interventions. Success will depend on the mission’s ability to work alongside Haitian authorities and civil society to restore public services, ensure security, and foster economic opportunities. Additionally, the international community must support Haiti in building institutions that can withstand future crises, ensuring that peace efforts are not undermined by recurring instability.
The challenges ahead are immense, and the mission will likely face resistance from entrenched interests, including Barbecue’s coalition. Balancing the immediate need for security with the broader goal of sustainable development will be essential to achieving lasting peace. Without addressing the political and economic factors that have fueled the rise of gangs, any gains made through military intervention could prove temporary.
A Nation at a Crossroads
Haiti stands at a critical juncture, with its future hanging in the balance. The influence of figures like Barbecue reflects the profound challenges facing the nation—where weakened institutions, poverty, and political instability have created a fertile ground for criminal networks. As the international community steps in, the road to recovery will require not just the suppression of gang violence but also the rebuilding of Haiti’s social fabric.
For many Haitians, the hope for peace is tempered by the reality of their daily struggles. While interventions offer a glimmer of optimism, skepticism lingers about whether lasting change is possible. The task ahead is not just about disarming gangs but also about restoring faith in governance, providing economic opportunities, and rebuilding trust between citizens and the state.
Barbecue’s reign, marked by both brutality and defiance, symbolizes the complexities of Haiti’s crisis. Whether he will evolve from a symbol of chaos to a participant in peace remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that Haiti’s future depends on the collective efforts of its people, leaders, and international partners to forge a path out of the darkness. Only through a holistic approach that addresses the underlying causes of instability can the nation hope to reclaim peace and prosperity.
