The situation in Haiti is alarming and marked by a lethal combination of gang violence, political instability, and humanitarian crisis. The creation of the G9 gang alliance, led by former police officer Jimmy Cherizier, has exacerbated the crisis, intensifying insecurity in the capital, Port-au-Prince. This criminal organization has managed to consolidate its power, extending its control over vast areas and terrorizing the population, leading to increased rates of homicide, kidnapping, and forced displacement.
(AKA) “Barbecue,” Cherizier and his gang, G9, have benefitted from corruption at various levels of the Haitian government and police. Some officials have been accused of collaborating with him or failing to intervene in his criminal activities. It is noted that the support of certain politicians and police members has facilitated his rise.
To take control of several prisons and free thousands of criminals, it has been reported that he used tactics of intimidation, corruption, and negotiations with prison officials. This allowed him to strengthen his organization and increase his power in the context of political instability and the weakness of the judicial system in Haiti.
Around 200 gangs operate in Haiti, among which the most powerful include.
G9 Family and Allies. Led by Jimmy Chérizier (AKA) Barbecue, it is one of the most influential and feared groups.G-Pèp.
Another significant gang operating mainly in Port-au-Prince.
520. Known for its violence and territorial control in specific areas.
These gangs are responsible for much of the violence, drug dealing, kidnappings, and disturbances in the country.
The violent assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 exposed a deep level of corruption and conspiracy within the country’s institutions. Various sources have indicated that police members and politicians, including opposition leaders, may have been involved in the planning and execution of this act.
The figure of Jimmy Cherizier, a former police officer, has highlighted how these conspiracies intertwine with the social discontent, accusing political figures of orchestrating the downfall. This web of corruption has fostered an atmosphere of distrust and polarization that further complicates the search for solutions to the crisis in Haiti. The interaction between organized crime and state institutions has created an environment where justice and stability seem unattainable.
In this context, the recent approval of an international force composed of 400 police officers from Kenya presents a possible ray of hope. However, their arrival raises a set of questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of such interventions. The lack of international support has been notable; manycountries have shown reluctance to engage in Haiti, partly due to the non-elected status of Garry Conille who has been serving as acting prime minister since 28 May 2024. and the complicated history of previous interventions that have left deep scars on Haitian society.
Previous international interventions have been criticized for their short-term focus, often ignoring local dynamics and resulting in resounding failures. The cautious expectation surrounding the Kenyan mission reflects skepticism about whether this new intervention can truly stabilize a country that has suffered decades of instability and violence. The key question is whether the presence of these forces will be a step toward restoring order or if it will become a new chapter of failed interventions that perpetuate the cycle of dependency and vulnerability.
For the Kenyan mission to succeed, it will be crucial for the police to work closely with local authorities and respect Haitian sovereignty. The approach must be comprehensive, addressing not only security but also the underlying causes of violence and poverty. The international community must learn from past mistakes and commit to an approach that includes civil society and local actors in the reconstruction and stabilization process.
The future of Haiti hangs in a delicate balance between international assistance and the empowerment of its own people. The international community has the responsibility not only to send security forces but also to engage in a broader dialogue that promotes inclusion and sustainable development. This involves investing in education, health, and economic opportunities, which are essential for breaking the cycle of violence and poverty that has plagued the country for so long.
Conclusion: The current situation in Haiti is a complex web of violence, corruption, and hopelessness that has plunged the country into a deep crisis. The influence of gangs like G9, led by Jimmy Cherizier, reveals not only the fragility of the state but also the complicity of institutions that should guarantee security and justice. The arrival of an international force of Kenyan police represents an opportunity to restore order, but its success is not guaranteed and will depend on an approach that respects Haitian sovereignty and addresses the roots of violence and poverty. As the international community becomes involved, it is crucial that it commits to a long-term strategy that fosters development and empowers the local population. Haiti’s history is marked by failed interventions; learning from these past mistakes is essential for building a future where peace, justice, and prosperity are tangible realities. The path to stability in Haiti involves not only the presence of external forces but also the creation of an environment where civil society and local actors play a fundamental role in the reconstruction process. Only then can hopelessness be transformed into a promising future.
