Haiti’s Powerful Gang Leader Calls for Armed Overthrow of Prime Minister Ariel Henry

Haiti’s Powerful Gang Leader Calls for Armed Overthrow of Prime Minister Ariel Henry

The political landscape in Haiti has been disturbed by an alarming proclamation by the country’s most prominent gang leader, Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier. This former police officer turned gang leader has urged the Haitian populace to rise in protest against the current Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, advocating for his armed overthrow.

With Cherizier’s gang coalition controlling considerable parts of Port-au-Prince, his call to arms has been underpinned by marches through the capital, road blockades, and drumming rallies. His goal? To incite daily demonstrations in all working-class neighborhoods against what he perceives as an illegitimate government.

Gangs and the Power Vacuum

In the wake of President Jovenel Moise’s assassination in 2021, a power vacuum was created, which has only served to amplify the influence of gangs in Haiti. These groups, often engaged in gun battles with police and involved in criminal activities such as extortion and drug trafficking, have exploited this political instability to grow stronger.

In this situation of uncertainty, Ariel Henry has been governing on an interim basis, with a pledge to hold elections once security has been re-established. He has also welcomed international assistance to combat gang violence.

Cherizier’s Critique of International Involvement

Cherizier, however, has been critical of the international community’s involvement in Haiti. He has demanded that unless the international community was directly involved in the death of Moise, they should not support Ariel Henry.

Addressing the plight of the residents of the densely populated Carrefour Feuilles neighborhood, he announced that those who had left their homes due to gang violence would soon be able to return and live in peace.

Kenya’s Potential Role and the Displacement Crisis

As Cherizier’s threats intensify, Kenya is considering leading a United Nations-backed multinational force to aid Haiti’s under-equipped police in their fight against the gangs. The need for such intervention has been underscored by the recent displacement crisis.

According to United Nations estimates, the eruption of armed violence in recent weeks has led to the displacement of over 19,000 people from the capital alone.

The current situation in Haiti is fraught with tension and uncertainty. The call for the armed overthrow of the Prime Minister by a powerful gang leader underscores the gravity of the situation.

With gangs becoming increasingly powerful and influential, the need for international intervention and a robust security framework is more pressing than ever. It remains to be seen how the government and the international community will respond to the brewing crisis.