Haiti’s Battle Zone: Gunfire Erupts in Police vs. Powerful Gang
Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, was thrown into chaos as heavy gunfire erupted, resulting in the death of at least four police officers. The violence was instigated by a powerful gang leader, Jimmy Chérizier, known as “Barbecue,” who declared his intention to capture the country’s police chief and government ministers. Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who is currently in Kenya to finalize the deployment of a foreign armed force to combat gangs, was absent during the turmoil.
Gunmen targeted various locations, including Haiti’s main international airport, leading to widespread panic. The unexpected violence prompted the closure of businesses, government agencies, and schools. Sunrise Airways suspended all flights, adding to the disruption. Chérizier, in a recorded video, outlined the goal of restraining the police chief and ministers while preventing Henry’s return, expressing a determination to “free the country” with the support of weapons and the Haitian people.
The situation remained tense throughout the day, with ongoing gunfire and residents fleeing neighborhoods, carrying children and belongings. Some formed roadblocks to prevent gangs from entering, while armored vehicles patrolled deserted streets. Chérizier’s move raised questions about whether he had the backing of other major gangs controlling a significant portion of Port-au-Prince.
Diego Da Rin from the International Crisis Group pointed out that Chérizier mentioned a coalition named Viv Ansanm, formed last year as part of a peace agreement with another potent gang called G-Pep. The coalition aimed to bring down Henry’s administration but collapsed shortly after its announcement. The credibility of Chérizier and the extent of his support from other gang leaders remained uncertain.
While gang rivalries and shifting alliances make coordinated action challenging, Thursday’s attacks demonstrated a level of organization. In addition to the assault on the international airport, a police station in downtown Port-au-Prince was set on fire. These incidents occurred after Henry met with Caribbean leaders in Guyana, where he pledged to hold general elections by mid-2025.
Haiti currently lacks elected officials, with Henry assuming the role of prime minister following the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise. Henry’s diplomatic efforts to address Haiti’s security crisis include collaboration with Kenyan officials to deploy police officers to the country. Although the government confirmed Henry’s arrival in Kenya, the return date to Haiti remains unspecified, leaving the nation uncertain amid escalating violence and political instability.
