A former police officer turned notorious gang leader, known as “Barbecue,” has sparked fear and chaos in Haiti by orchestrating a mass prison break. Jimmy Cherizier, also known as “Barbecue,” is the leader of a powerful gang alliance called the G9 Family and Allies. His recent actions have solidified his power as a major threat to Haiti’s stability, according to reports from The Metro.
Cherizier has a dark reputation for his brutal methods, allegedly earning his nickname due to his penchant for burning rivals alive. He has been accused of horrific violence, including the masterminding of the 2018 massacre in La Saline, where over 70 people were killed and hundreds of homes destroyed.
Despite facing accusations of human rights abuses, Cherizier has managed to garner some support by portraying himself as a protector of the poor. However, critics argue that this is merely a smokescreen to control local businesses through extortion.
Following his dismissal from the police force, Cherizier formed the G9 alliance, which has been implicated in numerous civilian massacres in recent years. There have been allegations of a secret pact between Cherizier and the former president, granting the G9 impunity in exchange for maintaining order.
The assassination of the president in 2021 plunged Haiti into further chaos, with gangs, including the G9, seizing control of most of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The city has become a dangerous landscape of kidnappings, killings, and rape, compounded by food shortages, disease outbreaks, and fuel crises.
The recent prison break orchestrated by Cherizier has raised concerns among authorities. Nearly 3,700 inmates were freed, leading to fears that they will bolster gang ranks and worsen the already dire situation in Haiti.
Cherizier is among five gang leaders targeted by UN and US sanctions. However, the impact of these sanctions on his operations remains unclear, as he continues to wield significant influence in Haiti’s tumultuous landscape.
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