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Haiti’s Violent Gang Warfare: A Dangerous Escalation

In recent months, the notorious Haitian warlord, Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, has openly declared his intentions to target various establishments, utilizing social media to announce threats against government officials and international peacekeepers alike.

Operating in an environment where law and order are virtually nonexistent, Cherizier’s confidence has surged. His provocations have culminated in public threats that have incited fear and outrage within both national and international circles.

This week, his public announcement led to critical miscalculations. In a video statement, he ordered his followers to assault hotels in Petionville, a wealthy district in Port-au-Prince, where representatives of the transitional council were staying. Labeling these politicians as “oligarchs,” he suggested that their only chance for survival would be to resign from their positions.

Shortly after his declaration, armed members of Cherizier’s group invaded Petionville, with one truck strategically positioning itself to prevent residents from escaping. When dawn broke, the suburb was left reeling from the extensive violence that erupted throughout the night.

However, it was not the intended victims who suffered the most this time. The aftermath saw numerous gang members dead, many in gruesome conditions—some decapitated or mutilated. At least 28 members of Cherizier’s organization have been confirmed dead as a result of the violent skirmish.

Martine Villeneuve, the country director for Action Against Hunger, reported that the sounds of violence echoed through Petionville from 2 am to 11 am, as local police and community vigilantes repelled multiple attacks from Vivre Ensemble, Cherizier’s gang. “It was a long night filled with distressing sounds of gunfire and chaos,” Villeneuve recounted.

The phenomenon of vigilante action is not new in Haiti, a nation where police forces remain significantly outmatched by armed gangs. Known as Bwa Kale, these self-defense groups have gained notoriety, gaining grassroots support that enables them to counteract the rampant violence perpetrated by gangs involved in kidnappings, extortion, and murder.

These vigilantes often enter armed confrontations with organized gangs, empowered by their community’s backing. Villeneuve noted their capability to set up barricades, thoroughly screening who comes and goes in their neighborhoods.

A Risky Approach

While many communities are taking a stand, this approach can prove highly dangerous. A recent massacre in Pont-Sondé serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved; following a confrontation with locals who attempted to dismantle a gang’s toll booth, approximately 70 individuals were brutally murdered.

In the context of a significant power vacuum plaguing Haiti, there are rising concerns regarding the potential for Bwa Kale to engage in human rights abuses and become indistinguishable from the very gangs they oppose.

The violence further intensifies against a backdrop of escalating political unrest. Just two weeks prior, the transitional council’s decision to replace prime minister Garry Conille, a US ally, set off another wave of unrest throughout the country.

Consequently, Port-au-Prince’s air travel has ground to a halt after a Spirit Airlines flight was shot at, resulting in injuries among the crew. Distrust looms as humanitarian organizations reassess their positions in the city.

Recently, charitable organizations like Doctors Without Borders ceased operations due to safety concerns, having accused local police and vigilantes of carrying out extrajudicial actions, including the reported execution of individuals needing medical assistance.

This withdrawal exacerbates the already dire humanitarian crisis in Haiti. With rising levels of violence, the situation is described as catastrophic, as logistical barriers hinder the flow of food and resources crucial to the nation’s survival. As a result, about half of Haiti’s nearly 12 million citizens are reduced to consuming just one meal daily.

Despite the chaos, Cherizier remains defiant, seeking to maintain his image among the populace. Recently, he was seen distributing school supplies in an effort to foster a Robin Hood persona, attempting to mask the fear he has instilled within those communities.

Source
www.yahoo.com