Jimmy Chérizier, famously known as "Barbecue," the commanding figure of one of Haiti's most potent gangs, has issued a direct warning against potential international armed forces being deployed to the country. Chérizier, a former police officer, emphasized that he and his group would not hesitate to confront any foreign armed presence if it engaged in abuses against the local population.
Speaking at a press conference, Chérizier also called on his fellow Haitians to rally against the current government, urging them to rise in solidarity. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, Prime Minister Ariel Henry has been advocating for the introduction of an international armed force to combat the formidable gangs that have asserted control over an estimated 80% of Port-au-Prince, the capital.
While in late July, Kenya offered to spearhead a multinational force, the United States subsequently announced plans to present a resolution to the UN Security Council, seeking authorization for a non-UN multinational mission.
Chérizier acknowledged that he would welcome a foreign force if its focus was to apprehend corrupt politicians and local police accused of selling arms in the slums. "If the foreign force comes to help and provide security for life to start over again, we will also applaud," he stated.
However, Chérizier warned that Haitians would not tolerate a repetition of past grievances involving international forces. He cited instances where UN peacekeepers were implicated in sexual abuses and inadvertently introduced cholera into water sources, leading to severe consequences for the population. He asserted that the Haitian people would fiercely oppose any such actions.
"We will fight against them until our last breath," he declared passionately, emphasizing the fight's purpose was to safeguard the nation's dignity.
Chérizier's gang, the G9 Family and Allies, which he leads, had previously been in conflict with another group known as G-Pep. However, he stated that the two factions have united, emphasizing a shared respect for life and harmony.
Chérizier is currently the only Haitian subject to UN sanctions, with the security council holding him responsible for acts that jeopardize Haiti's peace, security, and stability, including severe human rights abuses.
Apart from his call to action against international forces, Chérizier pressed for the reopening of schools in disadvantaged areas, such as Cité Soleil, which have been shuttered due to rampant gang violence. The escalating conflict has displaced around 200,000 Haitians, leaving homes destroyed by gang-related activities.
In his address, Chérizier was accompanied by G9 members, who carried handguns visibly concealed beneath their clothing, a departure from their prior media appearances where they openly displayed assault rifles. The atmosphere was fraught with tension and uncertainty, underscoring the complex and fragile situation in Haiti, where the future hangs in the balance.