Haiti's 'Barbecue' Inks Truce with Rivals, Calls for Dialogue as Kenyan Forces Expand Operations

Jimmy Chérizier, widely known as "Barbecue," has signed a peace treaty aimed at curbing the ongoing gang violence plaguing the Caribbean nation.

This agreement has emerged from a closed-door meeting among various gang leaders in Port-au-Prince, the capital city. Haiti has long been mired in a state of lawlessness, with armed gangs exerting control over large swathes of Port-au-Prince. The recent announcement by Prime Minister Ariel Henry of his intention to step down has only served to intensify the turmoil. The United Nations has reported alarming casualty figures with an estimated 1,500 lives lost to gang violence this year alone, following 4,500 deaths in the previous year. Amidst this chaos, Chérizier's gang consortium, known as G9 Family and Allies, has emerged as a dominant force.

Chérizier, a former police officer who transitioned into a prominent gang leader has become emblematic of Haiti's descent into lawlessness. While expressing a willingness to consider a ceasefire, he has stipulated the inclusion of his armed gang consortium in international discussions regarding Haiti's future. In a recent interview, Chérizier issued a warning that any foreign peacekeeping forces would be treated as hostile and met with armed resistance. He emphasized that the current lull in violence is merely a tactical manoeuvre, hinting at the potential for escalation in the near future.

Beyond his leadership of the G9 collective, Chérizier also heads a revolutionary gang alliance called "Viv Ansanm," which translates to "Living Together" in Haitian Creole. This loosely organized coalition reportedly controls approximately 80% of Port-au-Prince making it a pivotal player in the ongoing crisis. While dismissing the current transitional government formation process, Chérizier has expressed respect for the pan-Caribbean CARICOM group of nations and has not ruled out participation in a peace agreement.

He has indicated that if the international community presents a comprehensive plan for dialogue without imposing decisions, his group might be willing to lay down their weapons. Kenyan police forces have been involved in a peacekeeping mission in Haiti working alongside Haitian officers. They recently succeeded in reclaiming an airport previously under gang control. However, concerns persist regarding the slow pace of progress in addressing the gang issue, as these groups continue to sow chaos throughout the country.