Haiti's Police Strike Against Gang Leader's Powerbase

The Haitian police have initiated a significant campaign against gangs, aiming to restore order amid rising violence.

In a determined effort to regain control of Port-au-Prince, the Haitian government has mobilized police forces for a substantial operation targeting the stronghold of notorious gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, better known as "Barbecue." The raid took place in the Lower Delmas area, where reports indicate that several gang members have lost their lives amidst the conflict. Notably, military drones equipped with explosives have been deployed to assist ground units in this crackdown.

Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé expressed his support for the initiative, highlighting the formation of a specialized task force established just two days prior to tackle the escalating insecurity in the area. The consolidated efforts reflect the government's ongoing struggle to combat the elevated power and influence of gang coalitions in the region, particularly Chérizier's group, Viv Ansam (Live Together).

Jimmy Chérizier, now 47, stands as one of the most formidable figures in Haiti's gang landscape, overseeing the operations of various groups that dominate much of the capital. The involvement of Kenyan police officers, who were sent to assist in the fight against gangs last year, remains uncertain in this latest enforcement effort. The situation has further intensified following the recent death of a Kenyan officer during a patrol with the Multinational Security Support mission, underscoring the perils faced by those confronting gang violence.

Gang control in Port-au-Prince has precipitated a near-total collapse in law and order, resulting in the deterioration of healthcare services and a burgeoning food insecurity crisis. The ongoing violence has claimed over 5,500 lives in 2024 alone, forcing more than a million residents to flee their homes. Meanwhile, Haiti's transitional presidential council, tasked with laying the groundwork for the long-awaited return to democratic governance, has encountered significant delays in organizing elections, further complicating the nation’s path to stability.