The situation in Haiti continues to spiral out of control as gang violence escalates, with gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier at the center of the turmoil. Chérizier, the leader of the G-9 and Family gang, has been calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry as chaos grips the country.
The recent invasion of armed men into the main prison in Port-au-Prince, which resulted in the release of over 3,700 prisoners and multiple deaths, is just one of the many violent incidents that have plagued Haiti in recent years. The power struggle between rival gangs for territorial control has left a trail of death and destruction, with Chérizier emerging as a prominent figure in the wave of violence.
From his beginnings as a police officer to now leading a powerful criminal organization, Chérizier has been accused of serious human rights violations and has faced sanctions from the United States and the United Nations. Despite the allegations against him, Chérizier has continued to exert his influence through social media, using platforms like YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok to communicate his message and attract followers.
The ongoing crisis in Haiti, exacerbated by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, has further fueled Chérizier’s quest for power and control. With social media playing a significant role in spreading gang ideologies and inciting violence, the situation in Haiti remains volatile and dangerous.
As the government struggles to maintain order and security in the face of rampant gang violence, the people of Haiti continue to suffer amid escalating chaos and instability.